Milwaukee Post
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/424010
By RICH ROVITO Special to The Post MILWAUKEE — Martine Tate doesn't need statistics to prove to her that there is a grow- ing heroin problem in the Milwaukee area. She has already experienced the nightmare that comes from losing a child to the drug. Tate's daughter, Valerie Powers-Ferris, died of a heroin overdose in March 2013 at the age of 36 after a lengthy battle with addiction. "I missed a lot of clues. But who thinks there child is using heroin," Tate said, a framed photograph of her smiling daughter positioned on a podium as she spoke to a crowd of about 75 people that gathered Nov. 19 in the auditorium at the Milwaukee Public Schools Central Services Building on West Vliet Street. The public meeting, organized by Milwaukee Common Council President Michael Murphy, aimed at starting a dialogue about what he sees as a growing public health crisis in the region. "We unite to confront the tragic trend of increasing heroin and opiate addiction," Murphy said. In 2013, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office reported 216 drug overdose deaths, the highest number ever recorded, Murphy said. Overdose deaths last year tied to heroin use rose 34 percent to 69, up from 56 in 2012. Through August of this year, the latest period for which figures are available, 71 deaths from heroin overdoses had been reported in Milwaukee County, Murphy said. Addiction to prescription drugs that con- tain opiates, which often are prescribed to treat pain or injuries, often leads to heroin use, Murphy said. In June, Murphy collaborated with the Zilber Family Foundation, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and elected officials in DID YOU KNOW? Local news at your fingertips Visit www.gmtoday.com MARK BELLING Give Chisholm benefit of doubt ... for now Page 9 No time like the present to end John Doe probe • In Singapore, it is illegal to sell or own chewing gum. • Unlike most cats, tigers love the water and can easily swim three or four miles. – Source: Cool Facts app AVALON THEATER SETS SOFT OPENING — PAGE 6 STEVE 'THE HOMER' TRUE Giving thanks for sports excellence in Wisconsin Page 11 Rodgers, Kimberly, Kohl and Gordon III making memories Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MilwaukeePost Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MilwaukeePost Learning more about growing problem MILWAUKEE COUNTY'S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 28, 2014 See HEROIN on Page 2 Dozens turn out for Milwaukee community meeting on heroin FREE STORAGE! FREE STORAGE! FREE STORAGE! 1st Month with 6 month contract DREXEL SELF STORAGE 500 W. Drexel • Oak Creek 414-617-2109 414-587-0517 241487002