WASHINGTON (March 26, 2019) – WHUR 96.3FM, the flagship station of the Howard University Radio Network, will convene a special town hall discussion of “The Daily Drum,” titled, “Opioids… A Crisis Within,” on Thursday, March 28 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Highland Park, located at 6801 Sheriff Road in Landover, Md. 

It’s a crisis that has gripped the nation and the DMV has not escaped the wrath of the opioid epidemic with nearly 3,000 overdose deaths in the District, Maryland, and Virginia last year.  But what’s being done to address this health emergency? The town hall will include representatives from state and local governments, health professionals, impacted individuals and families, and advocacy organizations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 130 people in the United States die every day from an opioid overdose.

“The numbers are startling and as a radio station we have a responsibility to provide our listeners with an opportunity to hear from and speak directly to the stakeholders addressing this crisis,“ said WHUR Interim General Manager Sean Plater.  

In addition to the panel of experts, “Opioids… The Crisis Within” will feature resource organizations, which will be on hand to disseminate valuable information about treatment centers and services in the DMV. 

There will be a special musical performance by Phillip Carter, Stellar Award Winning National Gospel Recording Artist.  Doors open for “Opiods… The Crisis Within” at 6 p.m.  The performance starts at 6:45 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Media Contact:  Renee J. Nash, WHUR Office of News and Public Affairs, 202-253-4331 or via rnash@whur.com