HEAT

The mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Heroin Education Action Team (HEAT) is to reduce the growing harm to Kentucky families and communities caused by heroin and opioid abuse by increasing community understanding of this epidemic. HEAT is a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky and families who have lost a loved one to overdose. These courageous family members share their story to help others avoid the grief of losing a family member to a drug overdose.

Heroin, Fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs are increasingly available in Kentucky communities with deadly consequences. The increasing incidence of opiate abuse fuels violent and property crime in our communities, stresses our social services network, burdens our healthcare system, and reaches into our schools. Most of all, this scourge is devastating Kentucky families and robbing us of the promise and potential of thousands of our citizens who are suffering from substance use disorder and those who tragically fatally overdose.

U.S. Attorney’s HEAT seeks to inform our communities of what we are up against, and what we can do to fight back and prevent future tragic loss of life. Our team members deliver a compelling message, based on the tragedy that they have experienced first-hand.  U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV and his staff partner with members of the team to deliver a truly powerful message to community groups about the growing opioid epidemic and its real impact on our families.

Since 2015, U.S. Attorney’s HEAT has presented its powerful message to numerous groups in schools, youth programs, professional organizations, correctional facilities, law enforcement conferences, and in the media. The message is powerful because it introduces the audience to a relatable personal story of how substance abuse and fatal overdose can impact families.  Our hope is this message will educate the audience and prevent them from engaging in substance abuse.