Missouri is usually known as the state that contains the famous Gateway to the West, a truck stop with its own TV show and the ability to produce plenty of methamphetamine to go around. Unfortunately, Missouri has recently identified an elevated level of heroin usage as another one of its glamorous traits.

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But how does all of this affect Columbia?

Well, there have been two deaths related to heroin overdoses in Columbia in the past year, according to an article in the Missourian. Thankfully, a dozen more would be heroin overdosers have been saved by police and paramedic intervention since April of last year. Our neighboring city and state capital, Jefferson City, has had more than of its fair share of heroin overdoses and arrests as well.  The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services released a health advisory in February warning of significant increases in heroin consumption, especially in the 25 to 34-year-old age bracket.

If this problem continues, the Columbia Police Department wants to make sure it is not due to a lack of public education. An emergency town hall meeting will be held later this evening:

• Who: a panel of experts (police, judges, physicians) will discuss the effects of heroin use
• Where: Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, 1005 W. Worley St.
• When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday