Thank you for Joining Us for a Community Conversation
on Opioids & the Baby Boomer Generation

The opioid crisis has often been thought of as something that just affects young people. However, nearly 42,000 Americans over the age of 45 died from an opioid overdose in 2016. That's about 42 percent of all overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The discussion focused on adults with chronic pain or health issues who became addicted and/or dependent on opioids. We also examined how opioids have changed the family structure by forcing older adults to care for their opioid-dependent children and their grandchildren.

PBS39 wants to extend a special thank you to all of our panelists and guests, and to those who joined us both in the studio and over the air.

Watch the Full Conversation

“The opioid crisis in Pennsylvania and throughout our country is a very timely topic. As PBS39 fulfills its role in the Greater Lehigh Valley to act as the catalyst to promote civic engagement, we will connect our community through civil discourse around this very important issue,” said Tim Fallon, Chief Executive Officer of PBS39. “Objective, solution-based journalism is a hallmark of our brand promise. That is why we are so pleased to be hosting this event as part of a statewide project in which public media is helping to raise awareness of this crisis, and offer solutions.”

“The opioid crisis and the stigma attached to it needs to be discussed in a safe environment, and PBS39 has an obligation to convene our community for this kind of discourse,” said Yoni Greenbaum, Chief Content Officer for PBS39. “As issues arise, PBS39 will be hosting events like this to help our TV viewers and digital users understand topics and issues that are important to them and their families.”