From: Hannibal Police Department
Date: January 25, 2016
Phone: 573-221-0987
Fax: 573-221-3966
Contact: Chief Lyndell R. Davis
Bringing the “HEET” Initiative
In a joint effort to stem the ever growing usage of heroin in the community the Hannibal Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office have created the:Bringing the “HEET” Initiative.
Heroin
Enforcement
Education
Treatment
Bringing the “HEET” Initiative is a multi-pronged approach to address the local concerns about heroin usage in the community. Enforcement is obviously a key component but the issue must be addressed by different means to be more effective. Heroin usage has led to an alarming rate of deaths due to overdoses.
Enforcement: For over the last two years heroin distribution has become one of the top focuses of local law enforcement drug enforcement activities.
Education: Educating our area youth and educators about the perils of drug abuse especially heroin usage is one of main goals of the initiative. Presentations by a speaker from the NCADA (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse) to the Hannibal School District’s educators on January 25th and High School students on January 26th. Presentations for the Hannibal Middle School students will be held on February 24th.
In addition advertising utilizing billboards will start appearing throughout the Hannibal area promoting the Bring the “HEET” Initiative and symbolism to emphasize the deadliness of heroin.
Treatment: In an effort to reduce the number of heroin overdoses ending in death the Hannibal Fire Department has agreed to carry the antidote Narcan as part of their First Responder Medical services. The Marion County Ambulance District personnel carry the drug but with the Hannibal Fire Department soon to have the ability to carry and administer the antidote access will increase when needed by emergency service personnel.