VERMONT – The family of Will Gates, a University of Vermont student who tragically overdosed on heroin, is sharing their heart-wrenching story in a powerful documentary that aims to educate young people and their parents about the dangers of opiate prescription drug and heroin use.
The award-winning documentary, “The Opiate Effect”, has been made available for viewing and free download. The film features the impact that Will’s overdose has had on his family and draws on the experiences of Will’s father, Skip Gates, and a number of heroin addicts in recovery.
Produced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, the documentary was filmed and directed by Derek Hallquist of Green River Pictures. It has won several awards, including two Telly awards, and was nominated for a New England Emmy.
The film is aimed at preventing people from getting involved with opiate drugs and is geared especially toward high school and college age students and their parents. The video is available for viewing or download at https://vimeo.com/41741770.
Will’s tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of heroin and opiate abuse. His family hopes that by sharing their experience, they can help others avoid the same fate.
The documentary provides a unique perspective on the opiate crisis, offering a personal and emotional look at the lives affected by heroin and opiate prescription drug use. It is a must-see for anyone concerned about the growing problem of addiction and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.
As the nation grapples with the opioid epidemic, this powerful documentary serves as a timely reminder of the need for education, awareness, and prevention. By sharing the story of Will Gates and his family, we can work together to prevent others from falling victim to the same tragedy.
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Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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