Event to focus on heroin’s wrath

Groups from two Lake County high schools have planned a candlelight vigil to recognize heroin’s scourge on Lake County in recent years, and offer firsthand and professional input on the epidemic that the drug has created all over Ohio and the U.S.

The Heroin Heroes group at Harvey High School in Painesville and Perry High School’s Health Professions Affinity Community group are planning the event, which is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 8 by the gazebo at Veterans Park in Painesville, according to a news release from Harvey.

The goal is to honor those who have lost their lives at the hands of heroin and its derivatives, the release reports.

“This event will feature key speakers who have either been previous victims of heroin addiction and abuse, or individuals who have been touched by the epidemic close to home,” the release reads. “In addition, we will have Rae Grady from the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board speaking as an expert on this epidemic. At the conclusion of the event, there will be candle lighting.”

Organizers confirm there are also going to be numerous booths and kiosks set up around the square by a variety of nonprofit organizations related to the issue. Students from both schools also will be accepting donations to benefit LakeGeauga Recovery Centers.

In addition, the Perry and Harvey high schools’ HPAC groups plan to pass out purple awareness ribbons and rubber wristbands.

“It is their hope to bring awareness to the community regarding this epidemic and reach out to those who would have been affected or who want to learn more about this deadly addiction,” the news release states.