St.Vincent, DPS To Co-Host Community Conversation About Heroin Issue

Heroin and the challenges it poses to the community will be the focus of a Community Conversation co-hosted by St.Vincent Indianapolis and the Department of Public Safety on Wednesday.

A panel of health care, emergency medical service, stress and public safety experts will join with members of the Indianapolis community to discuss the growing problem of heroin use and identify ways to combat it.

The event is at St.Vincent Indianapolis, 2001 W. 86th St. (Entrance 8), and begins at 6 p.m.

“Heroin is a growing problem across the country and we believe it is driving many of the crimes we see in our community every day,” said Public Safety Director Troy Riggs. “There is a direct connection between heroin and many of our robberies, larcenies and other incidents. People are taking drastic measures to support their addictions and we have to work together to put a stop to it.”

According to St.Vincent, emotional difficulties and substance abuse, if left untreated, can destroy hope, peace of mind and relationships, and can eventually erode physical health and the human spirit.

“Over the past few years, the St.Vincent Emergency Department has seen an increase in the number of heroin overdose cases,” said Sheila Mishler, executive director, St.Vincent Stress Center and patient services. “The critical care units and inpatient medical units have also seen an increase in heroin-addicted patients presenting with medical problems."

Mishler said The St.Vincent Stress Center has received a sharp increase of inquiries from area residents seeking information about heroin addiction and treatment options. 

The center assists individuals in breaking the cycles of addiction and developing healthier and more adaptive coping skills. The treatment team consists of board certified physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, clinicians and licensed counselors.

Services available include: Access center for assessment and referral 24/7, triage and intervention; inpatient; partial hospitalization; intensive outpatient programs; young adult programs (ages 18-25); outpatient therapy groups;  inpatient detoxification; inpatient dual disorders (psychiatric and addiction); and certified PRIME for Life Program.