Walk for Hope message: "There are very real solutions" to addiction

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[September 27, 2016]   LINCOLN - At 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2016, a crowd gathered at Scully Park. They were there to attend Walk for Hope and to promote substance abuse awareness in Logan County. Approximately 70 people participated.

While the walk was free, funds raised through T-shirt sales will help purchase Narcan, overdose reversal kits for first responders to assist those in need of treatment. The T-shirts sported the motto for the event: "Supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors, honoring the taken, and never, ever giving up."

Event sponsors were Lincoln/Logan County Crime Stoppers and Healthy Communities Partnership.

September marks National Recovery Month, which helps to educate Americans that treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorders to live a healthy and rewarding life.


Jeanette Harris, right, Kim Turner, left

Jeannette Harris, one of the event coordinators, said the walk is about making people aware of substance abuse. Harris said many are still suffering or in recovery, and many families have lost someone. She wants to bring awareness of resources needed such as job training and education since many "run away from this population."

Harris said, "We need real authentic opportunities in this community. We need to be part of the solution. Partnership is key."

Kim Turner works with Crimestoppers, probation, and drug courts and was involved due to being part of the heroin task force. Turner said, "It is a good way to bring awareness of the drug problem in the community."


Teresa Orrick, and Gary Pierce


Ed Betzelberger, far right

Ed Betzelberger, Teresa Orrick, and Gary Pierce represented Tazwood Center for Wellness and shared handouts about drug abuse. Betzelberger said, "addiction is very real and there are very real solutions that exist."

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Katherine Newton

As everyone walked, some carried photos of family members they lost due to addiction. Katherine Newton lost her sister Ashley on December 23, 2015 and remembers every detail of that day such as her mom screaming that her sister was gone.

Newton said, "Heroin abuse impacted me and made me realize how short life is." She has spoken to other teens about addiction and said she has learned what can be done to help others who are addicted.


Josh R.

Josh R. is a recovering addict who said he began experimenting with drugs at age 13. Josh said, "I am privileged to be involved after walking through addiction and recovery," then asked for a moment of silence for those lost and those still caught up in addiction.

Josh said many are dying, suffering, or struggling to stay clean. He said, "I try to help others because someone helped me. In recovery, I learned I was responsible for the choices I made. I am living proof recovery is possible."

As the event drew to a close, Harris said she hopes the event continues to grow as people realize the need for solutions.

[Angela Reiners]

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