Southampton Arts Center to Screen 'The Crime of the Century'

In honor of National Recovery Month and in an effort to raise awareness of one of the largest threats to communities around the world, Southampton Arts Center will screen “The Crime of the Century,” in collaboration with Blossom Sustainable Development and retired judge Deborah Kooperstein on Saturday, September 24, at 6 p.m. Noted a press release, the film shines a light on the over-production, reckless distribution, and mass abuse of synthetic opiates. Preceding the film, a panel discussion will take place with several experts and members of Shinnecock Nation.

“With September being National Recovery Month and a time where we acknowledge National Suicide Awareness, I think the showing of the movie ‘The Crime of the Century’ will provide greater insight regarding prescription drug misuse and how it has negatively impacted entire communities,” said Meesha Johnson, Blossom Sustainable Development MSW CASAC-T Program Director and SAMHSA Tribal Opioid Response Project. “I also believe this event will provide viewers with a greater understanding about how to effectively address this epidemic, and maybe, just maybe, this will also confirm the necessity to return to the ways of our ancestors who truly relied on Mother Earth and her resources to deal with ailments of all kinds.”

The film explores the origins, extent, and fallout of one of the most devastating public health tragedies of our time, with half a million deaths from overdoses this century alone.

Panelists Meesha Johnson and Deborah Kooperstein, of counsel to the firm Messina, Perillo & Hill LLP, will also be joined by Shinnecock Nation Member Micah Hunter and Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor and instructor at the Molloy University Addiction Studies Program Jim Mullan.

“Opioid and alcohol addiction affects our entire community,” shares SAC board member and programming advisor Elyn Kronemeyer. “By screening “The Crime of the Century” and presenting a panel discussion of experts, Southampton Arts Center looks forward to facilitating a dialogue which will contribute to greater understanding of the issues and solutions for healing. “

Tickets are free and are available at southamptonartscenter.org.