In the state of Indiana ALONE – nearly 1000 deaths occur annually due to Opioid abuse which includes heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine and morphine.
Nationwide – the BIG killer, and growing at an alarming rate, is heroin.
Locally one artist has been touched and devastated by the loss of close friends and those who have suffered the devastating affects of heroin – and he’s doing something about it.
Jake Peter is a Frankfort artist and works laying down art on paper as well as people – he’s currently a tattoo artist, but his work goes well beyond that field.
Peter has developed his own awareness campaign to shed some light and reality on the daily tragedy facing not only the nation – but in particular Frankfort, Lebanon, Lafayette and surrounding communities. The campaign and artwork, seen within this story, is “Dropping Like Flies.” it’s graphic and that’s exactly the pain and reality Peter wants the public to see. “I’ve lost my best friend to heroin. It’s affecting families. Their family was my family,” Peter said. “Heroin does horrible things to good people – they’d steal from God when they’re on it” Peter commented.
Peter says he has little faith the government will have any impact on the growing crisis. “It’s a community thing” he said. “The police aren’t super-heroes – they do what they can, but they can’t stop it, it takes a community” said Peter.
The State of Indiana’s page MPH webpage indicates that 757 deaths occurred in 2016 due to opioid abuse – heroin deaths were up in 2016 by 26 percent to 209. It’s worth noting those are the latest statistics posted by the state. The site has not been updated since 2016.
Peter’s focus is to get the word out – in a very graphic way – to call attention to the epidemic devastating communities; and, he’d like your help – or anyone’s help to do that.
Peter will appear soon with Scott Carney on an upcoming broadcast of “About Town” heard Monday or Thursday mornings with “Randy And Scott In The Morning” on RadioMom, WIRE 91.1FM.
In the meantime – if you’d like to partner with Peter and spread the work by using his artwork in your effort you can reach him on facebook.
Listen for his continuing efforts on RadioMom soon on “About Town.”
