Displaying items by tag: call to action

Heroin continues to dominate the topic of discussions in Akron after hundreds of overdoses were reported in the area over the past month.

In the past two years, Adam Hayes of Akron says he has lost over 30 friends to heroin. Hayes hopes to be part of the solution to the heroin epidemic and raise awareness in the community. That's why he's helping to organize an "Call to Action" event in downtown Akron Tuesday night.

"I got involved because of all the friends I have lost and also because want to do something positive and be a positive role model for my son and my daughter," said Hayes.

Hayes hopes the event will not only raises awareness, but also focus on the ways to create more space at treatment facilities and provide training on administering the drug naloxone save the lives of heroin overdose victims. Hayes was inspired by Billy Pfaff, of Massachusetts, who is the founder of the non-profit anti-heroin organization Heroin is Killing My Town.

Pfaff posted a video on Facebook stating that the city of Akron is the hardest hit area that he has come across and that he would travel to the Rubber City to raise awareness. The video has been shared more than 9,000 times and has more than 280,000 views.

Hayes said he contacted Pfaff to organize Tuesday night's event on South Main Street near Lock 3 at 7 p.m. The event will be followed by a candlelight vigil.