The heroin overdose epidemic is so important because it has the potential to permanently affect anyone, regardless of age or background.

So it makes sense that the issue would get its own candidates’ forum.Local nonprofit STEP-Up Carbon will hold the first-ever town hall dedicated to the opioid/heroin epidemic Wednesday.The event will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. in the auditorium of Panther Valley High School.STEP-Up invited the candidates running for the congressional seats that include all of Carbon County, as well as the candidates for the 122nd district in the Pennsylvania Legislature.STEP-Up founder Todd Zimmerman said that the candidates should have a lot to say on the topic.“I think this is one of the key issues that are affecting this community, and there are certainly holes in the system that have helped make this epidemic worse than what it is,” Zimmerman said.Congressman Matt Cartwright, a Democrat, and his Republican challenger for the 17th congressional district, Matt Connolly, have both agreed to appear.Michael Marsicano, a Democrat running for the 11th congressional district, will be appearing, while his opponent, incumbent Lou Barletta, is unable. He is sending state Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-116, in his place.All three candidates for the 122nd district, incumbent Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon; Democrat Neil Makhija; and Libertarian Matthew Schutter, have accepted the invitation.Zimmerman said that while he’s looking for solutions rather than attacks, there are real problems out there that lawmakers could help change.“There are a lot of people who are trying to seek treatment, and there aren’t any beds,” he said.“Also the idea that the pharmaceutical industry and doctors have been prescribing opiates such as oxycodone for years, and marijuana is not the gateway drug, heroin is.”The candidates will answer questions that were previously submitted by members of STEP-Up Carbon.Zimmerman said all the questions come from people who have been affected in some way by the heroin epidemic.Candidates will have a chance to make a two-minute opening statement as well as a two-minute closing statement.Zimmerman said that as moderator, he will do his best to keep the candidates focused on discussing new ideas, and less on attacking each others’ records. However, they will have a chance to give a rebuttal if challenged on an issue.“The key is, from everybody’s learning standpoint, what they would do if they’re elected, what they would do to eradicate this,” he said.