ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Heroin abuse continues to be a growing epidemic across Southwest Virginia and the country. During a press conference Tuesday, state prosecutors said there were 10 confirmed deaths from heroin in the Roanoke area in the first six months of 2015. Authorities are teaming up to take aggressive steps to stop the problem.
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Police agencies across the Roanoke Valley along with the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC) and other organizations unveiled new efforts to prevent future drug-related deaths. They hope a series of public service announcements will help combat heroin use. Prescription drug and heroin addictions is a problem that negatively impacted Terrance Engles.
"It took away the things I worked for my entire life," said Engles.
For years, Engles played professional baseball. He had stints with the Washington Nationals and the organization's minor league team. While living a dream life, Engles became addicted to drugs.
"It felt like I was trying to fill this hole and I couldn't," said Engles. "When I took prescription drugs or heroin that filled the hole, it filled the void.''
Engles said his addiction took control and sent him on a downward spiral. After ending up homeless, he decided to get help. Currently, Engles serves as a treatment consultant at American Addiction Centers.
Engles has teamed up with agencies across Southwest Virginia to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs and heroin use.
"Unless we come together as one, heroin will ravage our streets like no other drug has before" Phil Figura, Chief Prosecutor for the Office of the State Attorney General in Virginia. "It's so powerfully addictive."
State and local leaders hope the PSA's send a powerful message to the community and raise awareness of the signs of heroin use. Families are encouraged to be proactive and have a conversation with children about the dangers of prescription drugs and heroin.