Two years ago, Gov. Shumlin highlighted the state’s opiate epidemic in his state of the state address. January 11-15, 2016, VPR News looks at the progress that’s been made and the problems that remain in a special series, State Of Recovery.
Highlights of the series include:
- An update on Rutland’s efforts to curb opiate addiction, including the story of two women whose recovery mirrors that of the city
- An interview with Vermont State Police Detective Lieutenant John Merrigan on efforts to curb heroin trafficking in the state
- A look at how the opiate crisis and its effects are being managed across rural areas of the state, with visits to Londonderry and Randolph
- Stories on the impact of heroin addiction on families, children, schools, and social service agencies
The full series will be available at VPR.net.
VPR’s coverage will continue in the coming weeks with stories on a UVM study looking at withdrawal symptoms in babies born to addicted moms, as well as treatment and antidote options.
VPR News has covered opiate addiction in Vermont extensively since Gov. Shumlin’s 2014 State of the State address drew national attention to the crisis. VPR News and Vermont Edition have covered the issue with breadth and depth from many angles, including treatment, prevention, overdose antidotes, and the connection between Vermont's drug problem and an underground gun market, as well as the field hearings and drug summits at which officials have gathered to develop strategies for dealing with addiction in Vermont and the region.
