The Plymouth Police Department and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office will hold a Heroin Town Hall 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Ave. The public is encouraged to attend.

With the goal of raising awareness in the community – especially among parents, educators and young adults – the town hall will lead a discussion about heroin and how the issue is connected to home medicine cabinets. The event will be centered on prevention efforts, and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug use.

Public Invited: Heroin Town Hall         6:30-8 p.m.      Thursday, Sept. 18      Plymouth Creek Center

The town hall will be moderated by Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek and will feature Plymouth Police Chief Mike Goldstein, other law enforcement personnel and professionals who specialize in chemical dependency, including representatives from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, North Memorial Hospital and Minnesota Teen Challenge.

Last year, 56 people died as a result of heroin in Hennepin County – the highest number ever on record. Heroin has no boundaries, as investigators are discovering cases in suburban, urban and rural areas.

“Educating community members about heroin use is the most critical step in helping combat this disconcerting problem that is impacting the larger metropolitan area – including Plymouth,” said Goldstein. “Heroin use and abuse is on the rise and we all need to take proactive measures to thwart this disturbing trend.”

“Every single heroin-related death is tragic and preventable. Through public outreach efforts that keep residents informed, we can help save lives and effectively combat this growing issue,” said Stanek.

“We need to have an honest conversation about heroin,” added Goldstein. “No single entity can fight this battle alone. We need to gather our collective resources to stand against the production, distribution and use of heroin to help keep our community safe.”