The panel spoke to a crowd of over 300 people this year about the dangers of drug abuse and how people can seek help.

The City of Santa Clarita held its third annual Heroin Kills Symposium at the Activities Center on Aug. 28th, 2013.

‘Heroin Kills’ is an event created by the city that raises awareness on the use of heroin as well as other harmful substances like drugs and alcohol in the Santa Clarita Valley. This year, the event featured a six-person panel who gave their input on the use of drugs and the negative effects it has on lives.

“Heroin is a huge issue in our city and we formed this event to raise awareness of the detrimental consequences that follows its use,” said Janine Prado, Human Services Administrator for the City of Santa Clarita.

Over 300 people attended the event. Among attending were numerous parents of drug abusers, recovering addicts, and friends of previous or current drug users.

“Heroin definitely affected my life because I know some people who used it and ruined their lives. I hope people realize that there is help out there and other ways to relieve stress,” said Bernadette Mercer, a junior at Canyon High School who attended the event.

As young adults are finding more intricate and sneaky methods to hide their drugs, parents are advised to check every possible corner of their children’s rooms, even in their calculators and phone cases. Parents are also urged to take notice of signs of drug abuse such as weight loss, loss of appetite, mood swings, secretive behavior, and refusal to go out with friends as much as they used to.

In 2012, the city reported 16 deaths directly related to drug abuse and over 200 drug-related cases. This year, the city reported two drug-related deaths. Even though the number of people dying of drug-related cases decreased, two is still too many.

“We know getting rid of drug use in our city is impossible, but we hope to raise an awareness of the dangers of these drugs through ‘Heroin Kills’ and make people think twice before using them,” said Prado.

The symposium proved to be very helpful: resorting to drugs is not the answer to obstacles-Heroin Kills.