Reading Organization to Screen Documentary About Drug Addiction

The Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse is aiming to raise awareness of drug addiction in October with a screening of the documentary “The Hungry Heart.”

The film is produced by Bess O’Brien and gives insight to the world of prescription drug addiction by highlighting the job of a Vermont pediatrician who works to help patients struggling with the disease.

“The Hungry Heart” will be shown after the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) annual meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center.

The film’s prevalent issues are similar to the drug problems that the Reading community faces, said RCASA director Erica McNamara. One of those problems is the use of opioids, which refers to opiates such as heroin or prescription drugs.

RCASA consists of Reading citizens of all ages who wish to promote a safe, drug-free community. It was formed in 2006 as an effort to combat the 110 opioid-related hospitalizations and nine overdose deaths that occurred from 2003 to 2006.

Read Patch’s story on the increase in heroin overdoses in Massachusetts.

“We really want to invite people to have an open conversation,” McNamara said. “We want to help families that may be struggling.”

For more information about “The Hungry Heart,” go to the film’s website.

Reserve seats here. Deadline is Monday, Sept. 29.