There was not a dry eye in the Council Chambers on Thursday, February 16, 2017, as Kate Garrity described how her son died after overdosing on heroin following their attempts to get him into rehab. Heroin addiction and non-medical use of prescription drugs can be deadly. It ruins families. Because of this national epidemic, Mayor Barberio arranged for an effective presentation on the subject with the purpose of calling awareness to this problem. Brad Seabury, Morris County Chief Assistant Prosecutor, delivered an emotional fact-filled demonstration on heroin and opiate abuse. Prosecutor Fred Knapp spoke of the initiatives of his office and Barbara Kaufmann, Director of Morris County Prevention is Key (MCPIK) explained what their role is in preventing and reducing substance abuse.
A question and answer period followed with the crowd being equipped with all of the facts. Knowledge is power and Mayor Barberio recognized the Morris Area Coalition for Education and Positive Choices for engaging in ways to educate the public and providing adolescents with programs to increase self-esteem and confidence. Chief Paul Philipps reminded the audience that there is a prescription meds drop box located in the lobby of the Parsippany Police Department and that the public should make use of it.
Also in attendance was Council President Lou Valori, Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani and Board of Education members.
Please watch for more of these programs as Mayor Barberio is very passionate about this subject. His plan is to provide and disseminate information to the entire Parsippany community.
