Bess O’Brien’s “The Hungry Heart” returns to the state capital at 6 p.m. tonight for a legislative screening at the Pavilion Building. This screening will help legislators understand the opiate epidemic in Vermont and gather insight on what next steps the legislature should take to support the governor’s focused plan.
An open discussion will follow the screening led by Bess O’Brien and Governor Shumlin to pinpoint Vermont’s needs and appropriate action steps to tackle the growing opiate and heroin epidemic in every corner of the state.
“If you listen to the voices of addiction, you’ll hear the underlying cause of this disease for too many: a lack of hope, a lack of opportunity,” said Gov. Peter Shumlin during his State of the State Address earlier this month. According to Gov. Shumlin, one of Vermont’s best preventions against drug addiction is to create jobs and opportunities for all Vermonters, and to ensure every Vermonter “the chance at success, living, working, and raising their family right here in Vermont.”
Along with prevention as part of the governor’s four-point plan, the government’s support of early intervention, treatment and recovery will also play a part in tonight’s discussion.
“The Hungry Heart is such a powerful movie. With all the approaches, and considerations, and concerns related to issues of addiction in our communities, The Hungry Heart reminds us that what is most important is people helping people – with care and respect, dignity and regard,” said Mitch Barron, Director of Centerpoint Adolescent Treatment Services, in Burlington.
In Barron’s reflection of the State of the State Address, “the governor set the stage for us to take care of one another with respect and dignity. From the statehouse and the Pavilion, he is helping to pave the way.”
Burlington Labs is a full-service drug testing laboratory founded by former addiction treatment professionals. Since 2006, Burlington Labs has been offering the treatment community excellent quality drug testing with the same day results. Burlington Labs is committed to the communities in which they do business, pledging 10 percent back to local non-profits and community groups, with a focus on supporting addiction and recovery education in those communities.
