Friends of Laupus Library Film Series to host “Ground Zero”

The third film in a new educational series hosted by the Friends of Laupus Library will be screened on Jan. 30 at noon in the library’s fourth floor gallery. All East Carolina University students, staff and faculty are invited to watch “Ground Zero,” part of the “Do No Harm: The Opioid Epidemic” film series that reveals much about this public health catastrophe and what we can do to reverse its damage.

According to the film, Rural America was among the earliest and hardest hit by prescription opioid addiction and overdose deaths. In “Ground Zero,” the film takes viewers to rural Kentucky where entire communities have been devastated. Schools are unable to hold parent-teacher conferences because many of the parents are either dead, in rehab or in jail. Regional health experts, local government, law enforcement, journalists and the DEA all weigh in on the crisis. In the search for reform, learn about the programs and grassroots movements founded by grieving parents and implemented by hospitals and law enforcement to deal with the crisis and save lives.

Discussion will follow the film. Registration is encouraged but not required. The first 10 people to register and attend will receive a free gift.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

For directions or parking information, please visit hsl.ecu.edu/about/directions/.

For more information, please contact Jeff Coghill at coghillj@ecu.edu.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at 252-737-1016 (voice/TTY) at least 48 hours prior to the event.

-by Kelly Rogers Dilda, University Communications