Project New Beginnings The Prescription Drug Crisis in Vermont

In Development

Bess O’Brien will direct a new Arts, Voice, Action film for KCP. AVA’s work is committed to using the arts to raise voice and create change around vital social issues.

Read the Sevendays cover story
"Bitter Pills" (5.4.11)
The article covered the growing issue in Franklin County and Bess's upcoming film.
Photo by Matthew Thorsen

History and Overview of the Film

The rate of prescription drug addictions among young people in the St. Albans, VT area has risen drastically over the last number of years. In response to this challenge, a concerned group of citizens (doctors, pharmacists, teachers, parents, city officials and recovering addicts) have come together to tackle this problem by creating a project that seeks to educate, connect, give voice to, help spark dialogue and form solutions to this destructive problem, which causes great harm to not only the addicts and their families, but to the communities in which they live.

Prescription Drug abuse is an epidemic across the United States. Recently the Obama Administration announced plans to fight prescription drug addiction nationally, claiming that it is now killing more people than crack cocaine in the 1980’s and heroin in the 1970’s. Senator Patrick Leahy has held four community-based meetings in Vermont focused on the outbreak of prescription drug abuse in Vermont. Senator Leahy understands that communities need to raise consciousness and create change around this vicious addiction that claims too many lives.

Project New Beginnings will be a two year intensive film and arts project that will focus first on those who have been swept into the downward spiral of addiction. The young people who are often referred to as “those kids” will be at the center of the project, offering their stories, their struggles, and their hopes for a better future.

As community members we must listen to these young people’s stories. By revealing their often hidden lives, these recovering addicts will educate the public and offer a deeper understanding of what steps need to be taken to prevent addiction from occurring.

In order to break down barriers and address the stigmas around addiction the project will also reach out to those who are also affected by the fall-out of addiction such as teachers, school principals, law enforcement, mayors, doctors, business people, parents, other youth.

The goal of the project is to invigorate the communities of Franklin County with a powerful sense of reconciliation and healing and renewed relationships, common goals, and hope for a better future around the plague of addiction that often tears people apart. The film will seek solutions to a grave problem and will be a transformative tool for empowering and giving voice to the recovering addict.
 

Fundraising Underway!

This two year intensive project will cost approximately $200,000 to create.
We have great news! To date we have raised $125,000! This means we are more than half way there. We need to raise the last $75,000 and you can help us do it!

DONATE ONLINE

For your gift you will be acknowledged in our playbill that will be given out to all audience members during the Vermont film screenings.  For more information on how to give please call Bess O’Brien at 802-357-4616.

Touring the Film in 2013

When the movie is complete in summer/fall 2013 it will be presented in St. Albans and then tour extensively through Vermont with the people in the film. A study guide will be produced to accompany the film into schools across Vermont and nationwide.