Franklin County task force fighting opioid epidemic spotlighted on Showtime

Franklin County is getting national attention for fighting back against the heroin crisis.

Showtime will air a documentary called "The Trade," spotlighting the county's "HOPE Task Force." Hope stands for heroin, overdose, prevention, and education.

"They spent about six months with our people wired up, every day and following us around, " said Chief Deputy Rick Minerd.

The Chief Deputy managed the Showtime film crew as they were in town. He was invited this week to view the film at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

"It was surreal," he said. "Prior to this project, I really didn't know what the Sundance Film Festival was. As it turns out, it's a big deal in the film industry."

Minerd says producers were intrigued by the creative way Franklin County is dealing with the opioid epidemic and that the agencies work so well together.

"We work with the DEA, the AG's office, with treatment and prevention centers and with the prosecutor's office," Minerd said.

The five-part Showtime mini-series premieres Friday, February 2.

"I hope it raises awareness, educating people to how complex this issue is and how destructive it can be to the families and to our community."

The film series also highlights Atlanta, Dayton, and Mexico.

Published by abc6onyourside.com