Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in the Garden State. That goes for the use of heroin as well. The Ocean County Health Department is hosting a special prevention seminar tomorrow in Toms River.

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The Health Department is teaming up with the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for the event. It's called "After The Pills...Heroin."

It's being advertised as a forum on drug abuse prevention and awareness. There will be guest speakers including a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agent.

Spokesperson Leslie Terjesen says, "The Ocean County Health Department always remains pro-active when it comes to the growing problem of drugs on the streets. We offer programs for prevention and for those who fall into a bad situation. This event will be great at bridging some of the gaps and getting the word out. The education component is very important to prevent future problems."

The guest speakers include Special Agent Douglas Collier speaking on a variety of topics. He will also discuss a DVD documentary he helped produce called "Heroin: The Ride That Never Ends." It's a video that's shown in schools and to people during drug prevention programs.

Meg Du Pont Parisi will be speaking on "A Parent's Perspective." She lost her 21 year old son to a prescription drug overdose last November. She will be able to offer more insight on what parents can do and all of the warning signs.

The event is free and open to the public.

The seminar runs from 10 a.m. until 12:30 at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension - 1623 Whitesville Road in Toms River Township.

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