Avon Lake Heroin Forum is Tuesday, June 11

Mayor Greg Zilka said a public forum will be held on June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Avon Lake Public Library to address the issue of heroin and drug abuse.

He made the announcement at the May 13 City Council meeting. Zilka spoke out at the April 16 meeting that the city has a “serious” drug problem, specifically with heroin. 

“When I spoke out about a month ago, I did so at the risk of labeling our community in a negative manner,” Zilka said.  “By studying information about this crisis, it’s evident the problem is widespread from one region in the state to the other.”

He said the “hype is not an option” and the “we truly want to break the downward spiral.”

The community forum, meant to educate and understand the challenges of addiction, was put together with the assistance of resident and city employee Lisa Goodwin.

Notable speakers and attendees include Lorain County Coroner Dr. Steven Evans, Avon Lake Police Chief David Owad, Avon Lake Fire Chief Huerner, Avon Lake Municipal Court Judge Darrel Bilancing, Joel Reichlin and a drug prevention specialist for Lorain County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services.

Also speaking will be a recovering addict currently living drug free and a family struggling with a child who has an addiction.