Ramapo High Addresses Heroin Use with Students

In light of the recent tragedies in our area related to the recent rise in heroin use,  an all school assembly was held at Ramapo High School on Monday, March 31 to address this serious problem.  

Detective Don Ingrasselino from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Narcotics Task Force, provided the students with important information about the increase in heroin use in New Jersey. According to Ingrasselino, the leading cause is that individuals addicted to prescription pain pills turn to heroin as a cheaper alternative.  

A similar program for parents will be held on May 7 at 7 p.m. in the Ramapo High School Auditorium.  

Det. Ingrasselino provided students with real life examples of what is happens to young people who become addicted to drugs.  

Karyl Reid, a pediatric and psychiatric nurse practitioner at Hackensack University Medical Center, also discussed the human cost of drug abuse during the presentation. Reid shared what happens when a person is brought into the ER who is overdosing. She brought different medical equipment with her to show students the procedures that are followed in an attempt to save the life of an overdose victim.

As a school community we are hoping the students walked away from this presentation more informed about what is happening throughout Bergen County and New Jersey.   

Ramapo S.A.A.D, led by health teacher Karli Basilicato, and Det. Jeff Jost of the Franklin Lakes helped plan the assembly. A similar program will be held at Indian Hills High School on April 16.  

- Lou Moore, Ramapo Principal