In
Behind the Scenes
Freeman, Rader and Keller
with Huntington resident Leo
.
Maulvey. Photo by Tracy Toler
The first time I watched the documen-
tary “Heroin(e),” it was partly for leisure
and partly for work. Part of being an
editor and staff writer for West Virginia
Executive (WVE) magazine is keeping
current on all things West Virginia. As a
woman who admittedly wears her heart
on her sleeve, it was no surprise to me
when I found myself crying five minutes
in, but the more I watched, the more I
realized this documentary was something
big. A few weeks later, when the maga-
zine’s editorial board began considering
a story on the documentary for the annual
health care issue, I couldn’t volunteer to
write it fast enough.
While WVE’s mission is to shine a
positive light on the Mountain State,
we still have to sort through the piles of
negative news, and the state’s drug epi-
demic is at the top of every list. Everyone
knows someone who has been touched
by addiction, and so far, no one has
offered a solid solution for fighting its
powerful grip. But stories like the ones
8
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
told in “Heroin(e)”—stories of activism
and hope—that I get to help share are
one of the many reasons I love my job.
Over the course of several weeks, I
had the unique opportunity to me et
and interview Huntington Fire Chief
Jan Rader, Cabell County Judge Patricia
Keller and Realtor Necia Freeman, the
stars of “Heroin(e).” While I tried my
best to act more like a journalist and
less like a fan, I’m sure my admiration
peaked through.
Throughout the interview process,
what I saw was Rader’s heart, not only
for those suffering from addiction but
for the first responders who treat them
day in and day out; Keller’s selfless giving
of her time in her volunteer role with
Cabell County’s drug court; and Freeman’s
faith put into action by her willingness
to answer the phone any time of the day
or night to help someone who might
need a warm meal or a place to stay. These
three women truly are heroines, and I’m
not sure I was able to do them justice
when it came time to put pen to paper.
During one of my trips to Huntington
for this feature, I also had the pleasure
of meeting Dr. Michael Kilkenny, phy-
sician director of the Cabell-Hunting-
ton Health Department. He showed me
around the health department and gave
me a step-by-step look at the free needle
exchange program. His empathy shone
through each word as he explained to me
the tangible difference the department’s
Harm Reduction Program, which offers
sterile needles and doses of naloxone free
of charge, is making in Huntington and
the surrounding areas.
Rader, Keller, Freeman and Kilkenny
are living proof that there are great
people doing amazing things here in
West Virginia. They represent a vital
sense of hope during a time of crisis that
many are lacking. No matter where you
land on the issues of drug addiction,
treatment services, the use of naloxone
or the syringe exchange program, I think
we can all agree that a little compassion
goes a long way.
If you haven’t watched “Heroin(e)” yet,
I highly recommend it. For those who
are inspired by the documentary and the
work of these West Virginia heroes, con-
sider holding a screening. The documen-
tary team has made community screen-
ings easy and accessible in the hopes of
bringing people together, raising aware-
ness and starting important conversa-
tions. Visit http://heroinethefilm.com/
host for more information, and check out
“Voices from the Front Lines” on page
60 of this issue.
Samantha Cart
Editor