“Drugs Kill Dreams Opioid Alert Day” Celebrated Friday

by Jonathan Weaver

Nearly two dozen community officials were in downtown Kittanning Friday morning to kick-off “Drugs Kill Dreams Opioid Alert Day.”

While the day was officially recognized Sunday across the state, Judge Gary DeComo said events will be held all week.

“It’s a way to bring attention to the opioid problem we have across Pennsylvania,” Judge DeComo said. “Most heroin addicts are first addicted to prescription pain relievers, so we have to raise the level of prevention awareness for prescription pain relievers, and that will lessen the demand for heroin.

“One in four families have been impacted by addiction, and many working families are spending their entire life savings on rehab. I just read (Thursday) that more Pennsylvania residents die of opioid overdose than from car accidents.”

Judge Decomo and other supporters – such as ACMH CEO John Lewis - emphasized the need for more prevention efforts –either by education, properly disposing of medications and keeping prescription drugs in a safe place.

“One of the best ways to address opioid addiction is education and awareness – which is part of what the Drugs Kill Dreams program is all about,” Lewis said. “We absolutely have to shine a light, a focus on the devastating economic impact of opioid addiction. It’s killing our population.”

This week was also designated “Drugs Kill Dreams Opioid Alert Week” by Armstrong County Commissioners.

Commissioner Chair Pat Fabian has recommended the program to his clients as an outpatient therapist at Family Counseling Center in Kittanning.

“I’ve used Drugs Kill Dreams personally and professionally as a resource as a drug prevention message and tool for my clients since I primarily worked with adolescents over the last 15 years,” Fabian said. “I know a lot of kids that have been impacted, not just in the school system but just by treatment programs locally – it’s had a huge impact.”

Other individuals thanked by Judge DeComo as “having a passion for prevention” include State Senator Don White – who advocated for the citation in front of his colleagues -; fellow magisterial district judge and prevention advocate James Owen; County Sheriff Bill Rupert and K-9 “Blak”; Coroner Brian Myers; and students at Lenape Technical School in Manor Township.

No Comments

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.