WASHINGTON, DC – The Faith & Politics Institute (FPI) will host an evening discussion with acclaimed journalist and author, Sam Quinones, about America's opioid epidemic on July 18^th at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center. United States Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IND) will offer remarks and introduce Mr. Quinones. United States Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY) will participate in the panel discussion with Quinones led by Regina LaBelle, who served as chief of staff and policy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in the Obama Administration.

 
One of 2015's most lauded books, Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic, explores how addiction has devastated hundreds of small towns, rural communities, and suburbs across America. Ultimately a story of hope, Dreamland recounts the experience of people living in Portsmouth, Ohio, a town ravaged by addiction, that is turning away from dependency and toward self-reliance and recovery.
 
The Centers for Disease Control have reported that over 2 million Americans are addicted to opioid prescriptions and over 180,000 have died due to overdose since 2000. In 2015 alone, over 33,000 people were killed by opioids. Estimates for 2016 and 2017 indicate opioid deaths could rise higher. 
 
What:  Acclaimed journalist and author, Sam Quinones, discusses his book Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic.

Who:   Acclaimed Journalist and Author, Sam Quinones, United States Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IND), United States Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY), former Chief of Staff of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Regina LaBelle, and FPI President and CEO Joan Mooney.

When: Tuesday, July 18, 2017; 7:00 P.M. Sam Quinones Presentation & Audience Q/A

Where: Congressional Meeting Room – South - CVC-217, U.S. Capitol Visitors Center

Media seeking to cover the event or conduct interviews should RSVP to josh.taylor@faithandpolitics.org or call 202-744-6625. For event questions, please call 202-546-1299. The event will be streamed live on FPI’s Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/FaithNPolitics/. Members of the public who wish to attend should RSVP at http://bit.ly/2uagi0x.

The Faith & Politics Institute is celebrating 25 years of bringing leaders together for the good of our nation through congressional pilgrimages, forums and dialogues that inspire leaders in public service across lines of ideology, race, and faith. Visit the Faith & Politics Institute at www.faithandpolitics.org. and follow on Facebook and Twitter.