Morris County Prosecutor's Office Detective Joins Filmmakers on Virtual Panel Addressing Addiction

Published on May 05, 2020

May 5, 2020

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, and Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker announce that the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit will participate in an upcoming virtual substance use recovery event. The on-line event is part of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office partnership with the recovery community to bring help to those suffering from substance use disorders. The event is under the Operation Helping Hand program to connect individuals suffering from substance use disorder to treatment opportunities. The free event will include a screening of the award-winning film Life with Layla. Following the film will be a panel discussion. A detective from Special Operations Division will join the Q&A panel hosted by members of the recovery community.

Prevention is Key will host the free virtual screening and Zoom panel on Wednesday, May 13 starting at 2:00 p.m. Prevention is Key is a private, non-profit health organization providing prevention education programs, professional development training, advocacy, information and referral services, that address issues of substance use prevention, recovery and support. This event is co-sponsored by Community Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Morris, Pequannock Township Coalition, Morris County Prosecutor's Office, and Operation Helping Hand.

Life with Layla profiles seven-year-old Layla, a little girl growing up in New Jersey in a family with drug and alcohol addiction. After losing Aunt Melissa to a fatal overdose, Layla's family struggles to cope with their loss. With her Uncle Greg's heroin addiction escalating towards the same fate as Aunt Melissa, Layla and her mom attempt to bring Uncle Greg home safely to keep their family from losing another loved one.

Prosecutor Knapp said Unfortunately our community continues to be impacted by the opioid epidemic. As part of our comprehensive approach to combat this scourge, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office continues to collaborate with the recovery community as part of Operation Helping Hand. Connecting those struggling in the community with treatment providers is our goal. Community awareness about addiction issues is critical to help prevent this disease.

To join the screening and view the panel, click here to register.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at mknab@co.morris.nj.us or Prevention is Key at bkauffman@mcpik.org.