‘Rock the Difference’ event aims at raising awareness about heroin

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EDITOR’S NOTE — “Rock the Difference for Heroin Awareness” is a community event being held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 7. This is the first in a series of stories that will look into heroin use in Sidney and Shelby County leading up to the event. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page, or by calling 937-622-8859.

SIDNEY — Aaron Frohna wants to make a difference in the community.

After his nephew got into some trouble with drugs last fall, seeing the problems first hand by being in the music industry, and beating his own problem in 2004 by himself, he knew he had to do something to get the word out.

Heroin use has become an epidemic in the community, according to Frohna. Besides the needles found around town, the thefts to get money to buy drugs, and the numerous children removed from homes because their parents or guardians are using, there has been an outbreak of hepatitis and HIV among active heroin users.

Frohna is organizing an event for the community, people in recovery, and even current users, to come help themselves and learn about how heroin is effecting lives.

“If we can change one life, we’ve done our job,” he said.

The event, entitled “Rock the Difference for Heroin Awareness”, is set for May 7 at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. The day will begin at 11 a.m. with food vendors, a car show, guest speakers and a lot of music.

“I thought music would make this something that draws a lot of different people to come to the event,” Frohna said. “I’m in a band, so I know a lot of people in the industry.”

Admission is $5 and parking is free. All proceeds will go to Community Housing of Darke, Miami & Shelby Counties Inc., a provider to Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services.

“I am pretty much doing this on my own, but I know a lot of people and I am using my assets to the best of my ability,” he said. “My first call was to the police department, they helped me out a lot, and have trusted me to do a good job with this event.”

Sidney Police Chief Will Balling said Frohna gets all the credit. He has put together all the vendors and speakers.

“This event will let everyone in the community know it’s an issue. These are things that are effecting everyone,” Balling said. Heroin use crosses every age, gender, and socioeconomic background, he added, and no one department or event can fix it.”

“But, using Aaron’s words here, if we can come together, we can make a difference,” Balling said.

More information, including a list of the day’s events, can be found on the Rock the Difference Facebook page, and event page. Questions can also be directed to Frohna directly at 937-622-8859.

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Event aims at raising awareness about heroin

By Alexandra Newman

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Reach this writer at 937-538-4825; Follow the SDN on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sidneydailynews

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