The FBI is hoping a new documentary will help combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse. The 45 minute movie called, "Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict" aims to educate students and young adults about the dangers of addiction.
For Jill McEldowney, she hopes this new documentary will catch the attention of the Jackson community. Because for her, the heroin epidemic hits close to home.
"Movies that you watch it being in this inner city problem or anything like that. it's regular people. It's moms it's dads" said McEldowney. "You know my brother was. He came from a middle class family had everything."
After her brother, Andy Hirst, passed the family started "Andy's Angels" with hopes of bringing the issue to light.
"We try to help them in anyway we can. We'll support them financially to go to rehab, educate them, educate the parents. What to look for" McEldowney said.
Dealing with heroin isn't new for Jackson police. They've been trying to fight the growing epidemic for years.
"It is causing some serious issues here. We've had 15 deaths related to heroin that we had to investigate because of heroin overdoses" said Lt. Chris Simpson.
Lt. Simpson says the best way the department knows to handle the problem is by teaching the young.
"The education piece it's huge. It's not just kicking down doors are arresting. That is a part of it" said Lt. Simpson. "Starting with youngsters of how taking pain pills can lead to heroin down the road."
For Jill McEldowney she has a wall filled with reasons to continue her families' work.
"I mean I have two boys granted they're only 2 and 4 I want to be prepared when they're in school and I want them to be prepared" McEldowney said. "I can't imagine losing any of these kids not one of them."
Now with the FBI's video they have a new tool.
"We all have to work together to get this problem under control. It takes more than just us our little group" said McEldowney.
