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 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."
[to top of second column] |
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] |
