The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Conference discusses opioid epidemic
Imam Paul Hasan said the clergy of Lorain need to take to the streets to fight the opioid epidemic sweeping the nation.
The statement came as part of a brief press conference Oct. 19 in the parking lot of the Gentlemen of the Same Mind Cultural Center, 2637 Broadway Ave. The conference was called to announce the theme and activities of this year’s Holy Day of Atonement: “The Opioid Crisis: Breaking the Chains of Addiction. Know Thyself, Heal Thyself.”
This year’s Holy Day of Atonement is being held on the 22nd anniversary of the Million Man March and will be commemorated on Oct. 20, at Lorain County Community College’s College Center Commons will host a memorial vigil and reflections Flanked by Amir Khalid A. Samad, left, and Ricky Smith, right, Imam Paul Hasan speaks, Oct. 19, about the upcoming events commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the Holy Day of Atonement, which will be held at Lorain County Community College, on Oct. 20-21. From 5:307:30 p.m., Oct. 20, LCCC’s College Center Commons will host a memorial vigil and reflections for those who’ve lost loved ones to opioid addiction. From 2-5 p.m., Oct. 21, a panel discussion, held in LCCC’s Spitzer Conference Center, will touch on the opioid crisis plaguing Lorain County.
for those who’ve lost loved ones to opioid addiction. From 2-5 p.m., and Oct. 21, a panel discussion, held in LCCC’s Spitzer Conference Center,
will touch on the opioid crisis plaguing Lorain County.
Hasan was joined by Amir Khalid A. Samad, CEO of the Coalition for a Better Life Inc., and Ricky Smith, founder of the Steel City Youth Football League, who also spoke on the need for action to stem the tide of overdose deaths.
Hasan referenced a recent report published by The Washington Post and 60 Minutes describing how pharmaceutical companies used lobbyists and campaign contributions to pass legislation that hinders the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency from breaking the flow of pain pills into communities.
“This has to be a grassroots effort because we know that we can’t look for politicians to solve this problem,” he said. “In order for us to solve this problem, we’re going to have to look from within and look to each other.”
Samad also pushed for people to get out an do something about the problem.
“What we are saying to our brothers and sisters in Lorain and Elyria is don’t sit at home tomorrow,” he said. “Come down to Lorain (County) Community College tomorrow at 5 p.m. and we’ll have a serious, frank discussion. This is serious business.”