HHS students to view FBI documentary

By Staff, 10/19/17 2:39 PM

HOPE – The rise of opioid abuse in the United States has prompted a Red Ribbon Week initiative by the Little Rock office of the FBI in concert with the Arkansas Governor’s Education Team and Arkansas Department of Education to make the documentary “Chasing the Dragon” available for Hope Public Schools students.

Hope High School will participate in a Red Ribbon Week viewing of the film on Oct. 26, according to HHS Principal Bill Hoglund.

The documentary was produced by the FBI and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to illustrate the devastating effects nationally from the use of opioid drugs.

“The goal of the film is more than raising awareness on the opioid epidemic,” an FBI statement said. “It is intended to deter young adults from venturing into the drug culture, to help high school students understand opioid addiction, and to demonstrate the strong grip it has on users.”

The film portrays the progression of an opioid addiction case, its wrenching emotional impact and uses graphic stories to make its point, according to the FBI statement.

The film initiative is part of the Little Rock FBI Community Outreach Program, which includes numerous community and youth-related programs, activities and initiatives.

“The better we know our communities, the better we can protect them,” an FBI outreach statement said. “The Community Relations Unit at FBI Headquarters and FBI community outreach specialists in field offices across the country create and strengthen relationships locally and nationally with minority groups, religious and civic organizations, schools, non-profits, and other entities.”