The fight against drug addiction continues | 'Saving a Generation' Film Screening & Panel Discussion

After months of production, the project led by THV11 anchor Laura Monteverdi looks at the drug addiction crisis in Arkansas. She has a personal connection to the epidemic, which she shares in the documentary-esque news program.

Monteverdi said, "These are stories I wish I didn’t have to share, but I know I need to and I have the platform to do it. I pray it changes lives."

In 2016, Centers for Disease Control reported that 64,000 people died of drug overdose in the United States. More than 400 were right here in Arkansas.

While the statistics can be staggering, there is hope. From Nashville, Tennessee to Lubbock, Texas, to areas all around the state, Monteverdi, photojournalist Bre Conyers, and the THV11 team look at the problem and what’s being done in the fight for a solution in the emotional, hard-hitting short film.

Opening remarks for the film screening were given by THV11 Director of Marketing Jessica Johnson Amis. She was a major part in putting this special screening on. She was followed by THV11 News Director Dave Parker and Assistant News Director Shayla Teater. Each detailed the steps it took us to get here, how the special was created and the journey it took to get here.

THV11 This Morning Anchor Laura Monteverdi shared her story and how drug addiction has affected her life. In her heartfelt testimony, she detailed why she wanted to join this fight against opioid addiction. And why THV11 is so supportive of her.

DEA Special Agent Stan Jones was the guest speaker for this event. He shared his personal story on how this epidemic affected his life.

The panel takes questions from the audience.

Jimmy McGill is living proof that you can fight this problem and have a better life. He shared his testimony and his journey through addiction and how he overcame and is now helping others like him.

Stan Jones

Stan Jones is a Special Agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and has been for 20 years. Agent Jones is currently assigned to the DEA Nashville Tactical Diversion Squad, a unit that specializes in investigating the diversion of prescription narcotics; from drug trafficking organizations that distribute large amounts of these drugs to rouge medical practitioners who overprescribe them.

As such, Agent Jones has provided expert testimony in both federal and state courts on such investigations. In February 2018, Agent Jones received the “Excellence in Law Enforcement Award” from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Tennessee as a case agent in which 24 defendants were charged and convicted federally in a conspiracy to distribute narcotic painkillers.

Agent Jones also teaches both law enforcement and other community groups on this topic and is very active in participating in drug prevention efforts. Agent Jones’ travels with the DEA have taken him to North and South America, Europe, Southwest Asia, and the Middle East. Prior to his employment with the DEA, Agent Jones was a police officer for 12 years, serving with the Orlando Police Department, where he was a member of the SWAT Team; and the Metro Nashville Police Department. Agent Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Political Science from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.

Kirk Lane

Arkansas State Drug Director Kirk Lane was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson on August 7, 2017. Before this Director Lane served as the Chief of Police for the City of Benton, Arkansas. Director Lane began his law enforcement career in 1982. In 1986, he went to work for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office for 22 years rising to the rank of Captain. In January 2009, Lane retired from Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office as the Investigation Division Commander and was appointed the Chief of Police of the Benton Police Department until his retirement in August of 2017.

He has attended the University of Virginia and University of Arkansas-Little Rock. He is a graduate of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Academy, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Commander’s Academy, FBI LEEDA and the FBI National Academy 197th session.

He has served on board of the Criminal Justice Institute and represented Arkansas for the Regional Organized Crime Information Center. He also was the Chairman of the Arkansas Chief’s Association Legislative Committee.

Director Lane currently serves as the Chairperson of the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Coordinating Council, and serves on the Arkansas Prescription Monitoring Program Advisory Board, and the National Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA).

Director Lane is an active member of the Arkansas State Working Group for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and received the 2012 Marie Interfaith Leadership Award for his work in this area.

Andy Agar

Andy Agar is a Little Rock native. He is a father of 4 and a grandfather of 4. Andy has been personally affected by the opioid epidemic. He lost his son Jake in 2014 to an overdose. After his loss, Andy struggled with grief but was determined to honor his son and help others. Two months ago – Andy started work for the Criminal Justice Institute as part of the Narcan training team. He is also a Board Member for the Wolfe Street Foundation – and Make a Wish Foundation.

Jimmy McGill

Jimmy McGill is the Recovery Coordinator for the State of Arkansas. He is also a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Counselor in training (CIT), and Certified as a Trainer to train Peer Specialists. McGill is a professional and productive member of society -- living life in spite of his addiction or his past.

John Clay Kirtley

John Clay Kirtley, Pharm.D., completed his pre-pharmacy coursework at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR and graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy with his Doctor of Pharmacy. In his current position, John serves as the Executive Director of the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. John currently serves as a member and President of the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education’s Board of Directors as well as the President of MALTAGON, a Professional Association of Boards of Pharmacy across the Southeast US. John and his wife Melanie, who is also a pharmacist, live in Little Rock with their two children Allison and Jack.

Dori Haddock

Haddock is the Regional Director for Bradford Health Services in Little Rock, AR where she has been since December 2014. Bradford Health Services has been treating alcoholism and drug addiction for more than forty years. They have three residential treatment programs in Alabama and 21 Outpatient locations across five states. Dori Haddock started the Intensive Outpatient Program in Little Rock in 2014. Since this time, she has been instrumental in the development and growth of the program which now includes Partial Hospitalization/Day Treatment and Outpatient Services. Prior to joining Bradford Health Services, she has been a Therapist, Clinical Director, as well as an Administrator.

Dori is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She graduated high school in Albuquerque and he went to a Connors State Junior College in Warner, OK on a fastpitch softball scholarship. After Connors, she transferred to the University of Mississippi and graduated with a Bachelor in Social Work. Furthering her education, she attended the University of Tennessee and graduated with a Master of Social Work in 2000. Over the last eighteen years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and as a therapist she has worked with all populations ranging from young children, adolescents, adults, and eventually found her love in treating substance abuse patients. She has developed several programs during her career, “Throughout all of my therapeutic experiences in the field, the one common denominator has been substance abuse. Substance abuse affects all families of all socioeconomic status and has been prevalent in all of the experiences as a clinician. I have a passion for seeing these families and our patients get well and live a sober and fulfilling life.”

She serves on the board of Directors for the Eating Disorder Coalition of Arkansas, as well as The Wolfe Street Foundation. Dori lives in Little Rock, AR with her husband of 17 years, her two daughters, ages 13 and 10 along with their two dogs Tink and Shelby. As a family they enjoy spending time camping, being outdoors, reading and spending time with family and friends.