'Frank discussion' on opiate use planned Tuesday

It's no secret that Livingston County has a heroin problem.

Project Opiate organizers invite citizens to a "frank discussion" on opiate use and abuse at a forum titled "Wake up to Heroin" Tuesday.

"I think this is going to be a good presentation," said Chief Tom Couling of the Fowlerville Police Department, which is co-hosting the forum. "We do have an opiate problem within our community and we need to open our eyes and be aware there's a problem."

More than 30 people died in Livingston County in 2014 as a result of a drug-related overdose, according to statistics compiled by the local probation office. Three of those deaths occurred in Fowlerville.

That figure has steadily climbed each year since 2011 when 11 overdoses occurred.

Two Livingston County Jail inmates addicted to heroin and a mother whose daughter died from an overdose will share their stories at the forum. Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Rich Isaacson, Howell Officer Mike Dunn and Livingston County Probation representatives also will make a presentation.

Couling said speakers will share their stories and statistics.

"They will tell us signs, symptoms and how they deceived others by hiding their addiction," the chief said. "Heroin addicts are very good deceivers. They will do darn near anything to hide their habit."

Couling said many heroin users feel shame and he hopes the frank discussion will help people realize that there is "nothing to be ashamed of" because "it's an addiction that needs to be addressed."

"We're trying to take the shame away from it and address the problem openly," he added.

The program begins 7 p.m. April 14 at the Fowlerville UB Church at 9300 W. Grand River Ave., Fowlerville.

For additional information, call Fowlerville Police Department at 517-223-8711.