The looming opioid crisis
Nearly 42,000 people died in 2016 from prescription opioid, heroin and fentanyl overdoses. This amount is higher than any prior year, further attesting that the epidemic continues to worsen.
Locally, the issue is far more serious than ever before because mental health and opioid are taboos. In the City of Dearborn, latest data reveals that drug-related arrests have more than doubled; having climbed from 500 in 2011 to more than 1,000 in 2016.
Journalist Khalil Hachem discussed Friday, March 30, the opioid crisis with opioid crisis and mental health challenges with activist and pharmacist Ghada Abdallah, president and founder of C-ASIST Nancy Berry and Danene Charles, coordinator of effective education at the Dearborn public schools.
Guests expressed frustration on the taboo that exists in the Middle-Eastern American communities and the easy access to prescription medication. Dr. Nasreen Suwan explored the responsibilities of both patients and doctors to observe the rules of medical engagement and practice a better use of prescription drugs.
Click here to listen to the segment:
