CIA Hosts Opioid Documentary
Teary eyed faces filled the Marriott Pavilion of Hyde Park’s Culinary Institute of America (CIA) on Tuesday, February 5, during the screening of Vivian Lanzaroneis’ documentary “Not My Child.”
The event was hosted by the Counseling and Psychological Services at the CIA, in an attempt to raise awareness about the harsh realities of addiction and the impact the opioid epidemic has had on the Hudson Valley.
Running under an hour, Lanzaroneis’ short film chronicles the tragic deaths of various young adults in the Hudson Valley that had fallen victim to the opioid epidemic, and the effects it has had on their families and communities. The film was followed by a “Q & A” panel discussion with Lanzaroneis, as well as local health officials and public figures.
Leading up to the screening, the Culinary Institute urged members of surrounding communities to attend the event, in order to educate themselves on the affliction of opioid addiction that is ravaging the Hudson Valley.
“The public is encouraged to attend this important look at the crisis in our community that seems to simmer just below the surface — until it directly affects you or someone you know,” wrote the he Culinary Institute in a statement on their website.
In another statement, the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at the CIA, Christine Mueller, reiterated this message.
“Opioid addiction is an equal opportunity offender, It could be affecting our students, our family, our friends, and people in our local community,” said Mueller.
As for reactions to the film, the plethora of faces in distress made it evident that the crowd was shocked, if not traumatized, by the reality they witnessed on screen.
“I haven’t been affected by this first hand, but this made me realize just how tragic the opioid epidemic really is,” said Sean Breslauer, a local student.
The Hudson Valley is only a sliver of a massive epidemic that currently has the United states in a chokehold. According to the CDC, opioids accounted for about 70% of the country’s 70,000 drug overdoses in 2017. And, on average, about 130 people die from opioid overdoses everyday in the United States. Currently, the opioid epidemic is considered a “National Emergency”, as prescribed by President Donald trump.
Click the link to view the “Not My Child” Facebook page, which includes a trailer for the film.
