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Hidden Harm: The Teen Experience of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction affects teens across Virginia. A panel will discuss the impact of opioid addiction on themselves and their families.

Opioid addiction affects teens across Virginia. A panel featuring author Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Chesterfield Recovery Academy’s Darien Kay, 2 End the Stigma founder Jill Cichowicz, and a recent graduate of Chesterfield's Recovery Academy will discuss the impact of opioid addiction on themselves and their families. 

Many teens in Virginia suffer from the effects of opioid addiction, whether they live with affected caregivers, are exposed to substances or have a substance use disorder themselves. This panel of adults work with teens or were affected by opioid addition when they were teenagers. 

Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the author of "Hey, Kiddo," a graphic novel depicting his experiences as the child of a parent with an opioid addiction.   

Darien Kay is a student support and academic facilitator with Chesterfield Recovery Academy

Jill Cichowicz lost her twin brother to fentanyl and now provides resources and support for families affected by addiction across Virginia through her nonprofit 2 End the Stigma

A student who has graduated from the Chesterfield Recovery Academy will also share their story.

Moderator Cheryle Walters Rodriguez is public information officer working on opioid and fentanyl-related initiatives at the Virginia Department of Health.

Each attendee will receive a copy of "Hey, Kiddo." Mr. Krosoczka will sign books after the discussion. Books and other materials from Chesterfield Public Library's Read to Recovery collection will be available to take home.   

This program has been made possible by a grant from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. 

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