Watch Heroin

"Heroin(e)" is a powerful documentary film that shines a light on the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on small communities in America. The movie is directed by Elaine McMillion Sheldon and features the stories of three women who are on the front lines of the battle against addiction in their hometown of Huntington, West Virginia.

The first woman featured in the film is Jan Rader, who is the chief of the Huntington Fire Department. Rader's job involves responding to overdose calls and administering naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. As one of the first responders on the scene, Rader has a unique perspective on the crisis and the toll it takes on both the users and their families.

The second woman featured in the film is Patricia Keller, a judge who presides over drug court in Huntington. Keller's job involves working with addicts who have been arrested and convincing them to enter a rehab program instead of going to jail. Her compassionate approach to the job is a stark contrast to the harsh sentences handed down by some judges, and her commitment to helping these people turn their lives around is truly inspiring.

The third woman featured in the film is Necia Freeman, who runs the Brown Bag Ministry in Huntington. Freeman's job involves driving around the city and handing out sandwiches, water, and other supplies to homeless addicts. Her mission is to show these people that someone cares about them, and to offer them a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of addiction.

Throughout the film, we see these three women working tirelessly to help those affected by the opioid epidemic. We see them attending support group meetings, visiting people in rehab centers, and participating in public events to raise awareness about the crisis. We also see them interacting with people who are struggling with addiction, and their genuine concern and empathy for these individuals is truly moving.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when Rader takes us on a ride-along in the fire department truck. We see her responding to multiple overdose calls in a single night, and the reality of the crisis hits home. We see the devastation that addiction has wrought on families and communities, and we realize that this problem is far from over.

Another powerful moment in the film comes when Freeman visits a needle exchange program in Huntington. This program provides clean needles and other supplies to addicts, in an effort to reduce the spread of HIV and other diseases. Freeman is initially skeptical of the program, but as she talks to the people using it, she realizes how important it is in the fight against addiction.

Overall, "Heroin(e)" is a powerful and deeply moving film that sheds light on a crisis that has touched the lives of so many people in America. It is a testament to the resilience and compassion of these three women, and to the indomitable spirit of those who are fighting to overcome addiction. By giving voice to those on the front lines, the film offers hope and inspiration to those who are struggling with addiction, and to those who are working to help them.

Heroin is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.