Communal Wayne County forum seeks to address heroin epidemic

The answer — a resounding "yes" from the crowd of about 100 people, many of whom indicated they have direct ties to someone who has used heroin — is one that event organizer Sarah Sparks hopes will inspire others to take the steps needed to do something about the area's drug problems.

"We had some powerful speakers that helped spread awareness and educate us (tonight) ... hopefully to get citizens to step up and join our community watch effort" Sparks said after the event. "We really hope to keep this momentum so we can take back our community."

Multiple speakers voiced their ideas on how to help drug users overcome their addictions during the Eyes Wide Open-sponsored event, held at Richmond High School's McGuire Hall. The group hoped to use the event as a way to get individuals involved in the area, including efforts to better report drug activity to prevent their continued use.

The crowd listened as Wayne County Coroner Ron Stevens discussed the size and scope of the dilemma faced by law enforcement, as well as his own experience in telling family and friends of overdose victims that their loved one is dead.