Judge Astrab to host heroin forum in Solon

More than 30 people were indicted today in another major heroin ring bust in Cuyahoga County.  Federal and county officials hope this will cut into the supply of heroin in our county.  On Thursday night at the Solon Community Center, residents can learn what we can do together to reduce the demand for heroin.

 “As a community, we need to do more to prevent people from using heroin in the first place, said Judge Michael Astrab of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.   “By the time a user gets to my courtroom, it’s often too late. “

During the 2013-14 school year, Judge Astrab will host a series of “Heroin in the Suburbs” forums. A town hall for Solon, Glenwillow and Chagrin Falls will take place at the Solon Community Center on Thursday, October 24 at 7 PM.

Astrab’s goal is to help raise awareness of the heroin epidemic, and inform parents how to keep their families safe.

According to the county Medical Examiner, heroin is on pace to kill twice as many people in Cuyahoga County as homicide this year. “This is an epidemic. For anyone to suggest otherwise,” Astrab said, “is naive.”

The panel at the Solon forum will include Assistant County Prosecutor Deborah Naiman, Dr. Joan Papp from, Vince Caraffi of the Cuyahoga County’s Opiate Task Force and defense attorney David Kraus.    A recovering addict will also address the forum to tell his personal story.

 “Everyone involved in these forums has one goal – prevent at least one person from being hurt by heroin,” Astrab said. “If we can do that, this effort will absolutely be worth it.”

Astrab has 2013 forums scheduled in Westlake, Broadview Heights, and Parma. In 2014, Judge Astrab will host forums in Strongsville, Bay Village, Beachwood, North Olmsted, Mayfield, Independence, St. Edward High School and Orange High School.

For more information, follow Judge Astrab on Twitter @judgeastrab. To RSVP to attend the forum on Facebook, search for “Solon: Heroin in the Suburbs.”