In 1999, the leading cause of death was car accidents. Nearly twice as many people died in a car accident as died from a fatal drug overdose. By 2014, those numbers were reversed. There were almost 40 percent more deaths from drug overdoses than from car crashes. Most of today’s overdoses stem from prescription opioids and heroin, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Arizona alone, opioid overdose deaths increased by 16 percent in 2014 as compared to the previous year. Heroin-related deaths increased by 44 percent over the same time period. In an effort to slow down this tragic trend, Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism will release its 2nd opioid documentary Hooked Rx: From Prescription to Addiction. The 30-minute investigative report will be simultaneously broadcast live on all Arizona broadcast TV stations and on most Arizona radio stations on Jan. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Those who live outside of Arizona will be able to watch the video and see a series of multimedia stories at HookedRX.
Meadows Behavioral Healthcare CEO Sean Walsh served on a steering committee with leaders around the state to help bring the initiative to the airwaves. He will also oversee a staff of 100 volunteers in ASU’s PBS studios who will be fielding calls from those who need to connect to addiction treatment services.
“I have been fortunate to be a part of the team that started the Crystal Darkness campaign in 2008, leading to Hooked in 2015 where we aimed to raise awareness and promote the message of hope and recovery from drugs like methamphetamine and heroin,” he said. “Now with Hooked Rx, the great state of Arizona is again leading the country in an attempt to address the nationwide epidemic of opiate addiction that is needlessly claiming so many lives. The Meadows is proud to support this effort and alongside 100 professionals from all over Arizona. We are confident we will put a dent in this disease, help others enter into recovery. Make no mistake, lives will be saved on Jan. 10!”
We hope that this event helps start conversations across the country about the seriousness of the opioid epidemic in our country, and the need for access to treatment services. Please tune in or watch the video online, and share it with your family and friends.