Portsmouth Police Anti-Heroin PSA Released

Like many local cities, towns and communities, Portsmouth is dealing with the heroin epidemic. In collaboration with local community members and in honor of September being National Recovery Month, the Portsmouth Police Department has released a Public Service Announcement video, entitled, “It’s Time, Let’s Talk.”

Police hope this video will help continue the talk on how to best combat the issues that we all face regarding the fall out of substance abuse, especially opiate related abuse.

“With this video we hope to help break the stigma that comes with substance abuse and promote people to ask for help, Sgt. Dave Keaveny said in a statement. “ We wish to highlight the collected effort it will take to continue to combat substance abuse.”

Keaveny said the issue was ”a complex medical issue and not simply one of a criminal nature.” The PSA has been posted on the department’s Facebook site and will be displayed at Cinemagic Movie Theaters during the month of October.

“ We would like to thank Jerry and Jodie Howe for their generous donation which made this and the upcoming three minute Public Service Announcement Video possible,” he stated.

In addition to the Howe family, the police department would like to thank the advocates that appeared in the film; Sandi Coyle of New Futures, Portsmouth City Councilor Stefany Shaheen, John Eldredge of Bonfire Recovery Services and Marci Blanchette of the Portmsouth High School. Producer Karlina Lyons and Producer Michael Venn helped make these videos and bring them to a larger audience.

Anyone seeking help should visit: NH Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services: dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bdas/index.htm drugfreenh.org and the New Hampshire Treatment Locator: nhtreatment.org.