Over 100 members of the public joined with local leaders, medical professionals, and law enforcement for a forum in Mars Thursday night about drug addiction in our area.
According to Butler Health System Emergency Department Staff Physician Dr. David Rottinghaus “Twelve percent of our 18 to 25 year olds are abusing prescription drugs. If you don’t think this is an epidemic, it’s time for everyone to wake up and realize this.”
Rottinghaus was joined by an assistant US Attorney, an addiction specialist, law enforcement, and two recovering addicts during the two hour long discussion.
Although much of the presentation focused on the problem, there was a definitive message of hope.
“We are here as a county. We are here as a community. We have a lot to be optimistic about as far as how we can fight this. We are in this together and equally so lean on us and that’s why we’re not going away til this is done,” said Mark Peffer, Chief of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
A previous forum was held in Butler in October and the next forum will be held February 23rd in Slippery Rock.
Written by Ryan Saeler
