University of Rochester officials are trying to get the word out to students and faculty and staff about the dangers of drug use and the need to seek help if they are dealing with an addiction.
The President of the University of Rochester has issued a statement to the university community and he's also speaking out about the dangers of drug abuse, especially heroin. Joel Seligman's comments come after the recent death of a 19 year old student, Juliette Richard.
Seligman notes that while there have been rumors about heroin use, the medical examiner has not completed her report yet, so he won't speculate about the cause of Richard's death.
The university president stresses that the administration's job right now is not to try and crack down on people who may be taking drugs but to get them to seek help.
"We're very concerned to protect the confidential of those who come forward. We're trying to help, we're also trying to recognize that fewer people will come forward or seek help if they don't feel they have confidentiality."
Seligman says a recent survey by the University Health Service indicates that a small number of undergrads have used heroin or other dangerous drugs. But he also notes that heroin use in the U.S. is a growing problem.
