Oceana takes on ‘Oxyana’

OCEANA, W.Va. — Some residents in the Wyoming County town of Oceana are fighting back against, what they call, an unfair depiction in the documentary film “Oxyana.”

“We’re not the community that was portrayed in the film,” said D.J. Morgan, who organized a community meeting for Friday night focused on ways to address the prescription drug epidemic.

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, 3rd District Congressman Nick Rahall, and Booth Goodwin, the U.S. Attorney for West Virginia’s Southern District, were scheduled to attend the 6 p.m. event at Oceana Middle School.

Morgan says Oceana is not alone in its efforts to deal with prescription drug abuse.  It’s a problem, he says, throughout Central Appalachia.

“The way it’s portrayed is that everyone is addicted to drugs, and I think anytime that you deal with generalizations, in any aspect, you run into problems and this film generalized the entire population,” he said.

Morgan says he has not seen the film but has heard enough to know Oxyana is not good for his town.

“Oxyana” was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City in April. Director Sean Dunne’s film was described as a “portrait of Oceana, W.Va., an old coal-mining town that has become the epicenter of the Oxycontin epidemic, earning the nickname ‘Oxyana.'”





More News

News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 28, 2024 - 6:20 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm
News
Barbour County woman sentenced after death case sent back to circuit court by Supreme Court
Carli Reed sentenced on voluntary manslaughter conviction.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm


Your Comments