Former Penguins star speaks about opioid crisis at Hampton Community Center

Tribune-Review | Wednesday, January 16, 2019 4:41 p.m.

Louis Raggiunti | For the Tribune-Review

Former Pittsburgh Penguin Kevin Stevens addressed opioid risks and athletics at Hampton Community Center Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2019.

On Jan. 15, the Hampton Community Opioid Partnership joined with Familylinks to “Power Forward” with retired Pittsburgh Penguin Kevin Stevens in the fight against opioid addiction.

The event was held at the Hampton Community Center and featured the former Penguins star forward who candidly shared how at the height of his career, an injury and the subsequent addiction to opioid painkillers, ended his playing days.

He spoke to the audience about the dangers of sports and addiction and how to avoid some of the pitfalls he experienced. Stevens is the co-founder of Power Forward with Familylinks, which works to educate people about the real dangers of addiction.

In addition to Stevens, Tina Flowers, a Hampton resident who shared her late son Spenser’s battle with addiction, as well as De’netta Benjamin-Miller, senior director of Behavioral Health Services at Familylinks, also gave powerful presentations.

For details about Familylinks, call 412-600-6176 or email dbalcom@Familylinks.org.