Johnson County Public Library’s vision for Johnson County is a community of empowered learners and engaged citizens.
Through JCPL’s Building Bridges programs, we bring the community together for meaningful discussions and conversations about a variety of issues affecting us all. This month, the library is partnering with Upstream Prevention, Drug Free Johnson County and the Johnson County CASA program to show “The Addict’s Wake,” an award-winning documentary film centering around the opioid crisis, the effects of substance misuse and hope through recovery.
Winner of the Indiana Spotlight Award at the 30th Anniversary Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, “The Addict’s Wake” has also been featured at several other notable film festivals across the country. The documentary was filmed over a span of two years in Brown County and spotlights real-life stories about the impact of opioid and heroin abuse on the small, tight-knit community just southwest of Johnson County.
Erica Ratz, project coordinator for ATLAS (Assisting Through Loss After Suicide) at Upstream, is excited for the community to see the film.
“Individuals will have the opportunity to hear first-hand lived experiences about substance use disorder, treatment and recovery,” she said. “There are many people in Johnson County and nationwide who are working hard to make changes and reduce overdose deaths and we at Upstream love the opportunity to celebrate that.”
Following the movie will be a panel discussion on opioid addiction and recovery. Kathleen Ratcliff, founder and executive director of Upstream Prevention, will moderate the panel, which includes Lisa Hall, producer/executive producer of the film; Shannon Chambers, CIT deputy and the court services training coordinator for the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center; Justin Phillips, chief executive officer and founder of Overdose Lifeline; and Kaleb Lane, peer recovery coach with Upstream Prevention.
Hall has a background in non-profit leadership, fundraising and experience working with women in incarceration. She felt it was an important story to tell and her vision for the project is to help communities heal from the addiction crisis and to spark change around the stigmas that come with substance misuse.
“The Addict’s Wake” film and panel discussion will be held at The Historic Artcraft Theatre at 6 p.m. on April 27. There is no admission charge. Coupons for a small popcorn and drink provided by CASA will be available to the first 175 attendees. Coupons may be picked up at any JCPL Branch, starting April 1, while supplies last.
Kelly Staten is the Johnson County Public Library Programming Manager. JCPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column. Send comments to [email protected].
