PORT JERVIS, NY — Recently, Bon Secours Community Hospital hosted a “Ladies and Gents Night Out” dinner lecture on the topic of street drugs. Approximately 120 guests attended the event, which was held at the Erie Trackside Manor in Port Jervis.

The presentation was given by detective Michael Worden of the Port Jervis Police Department. “There are several messages I want attendees to take away from the presentation,” said Worden. “First is to recognize that drug abuse and addiction is not just a police problem, it is a community problem. And as such, it takes a community to help solve the many issues that underlie abuse and addiction.”

He stressed that the problem of drugs in this area is part of a national epidemic. “Too often I hear comments like, ‘There is nothing here except drugs,” he said. “Trust me, there are places far worse off than Port Jervis and the tri-state area. The drug problem is a national crisis and we are symptomatic of that crisis.”

Bon Secours Community Hospital has been treating mental illness for 20 years and providing rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction, including New Directions, a detoxification program, for over 25 years.

For additional information call 845/858-7120 or visit www.bonsecourscommunityhosp.org.