The Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission held an event at Kittanning Riverfront Park on Sunday afternoon honoring First Responders who have helped save the lives of overdose victims.
The community came out to show their appreciation to First Responders on Sunday afternoon at Kittanning Riverfront Park.
The event, the first of its kind in Armstrong County, was coordinated by the Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission as part of National Recovery Month events scheduled in cities across the United States.
Commission Certified Recovery Specialist Mike Krafick explained the event.
“This event is to recognize, celebrate, and acknowledge the hard work that these First Responders do in our communities to combat the opioid crisis. The fatal overdose numbers have decreased in our county over the past three years. That is a direct result of the work that these First Responders do on a daily basis getting to these calls and providing life-saving medication – Naloxone – to these individuals.”
Krafick said that he has been the recipient of services by First Responders when he overdosed during his days of addiction.
“I, myself, would not be here today if it were not for some of the work the First Responders have done. I am a person in long-term recovery. This past April, I celebrated 11 years of recovery, and I am an overdose survivor. At least five times, I was hospitalized for an opioid overdose. Had it not been for the quick response and action of a First Responder, I would not be here today. I have a lot to be thankful for.”
There were two awards given to “Recovery Champions”. They were recognized for the work they do year-round to combat this epidemic.
Bonnie Dulany was the first to be recognized. She is has been a long-standing champion for those seeking recovery. For the past 20 years, Bonnie’s journey started as a patient at ARC Manor. It afforded her the opportunity to better her life. She worked her way through college and obtained a degree in Psychology. She spent the next 11 years as an addiction counselor at ARC Manor. She is active in a 12-step fellowship, where she has helped hundreds. Bonnie advocates for incarcerated individuals by volunteering on the jail committee. She also facilitates a substance support group for families of those dealing with addiction.
Dr. Rod Grooms also received a Champion award for his work with the Drug and Alcohol Commission. He assists through his work in the emergency department at ACMH Hospital to link overdose victims to support services. He is the physician that assists the Commission procure Naloxone that is given out to First Responders to use as well as other members of the community. Dr. Grooms is also certified to help overdose victims be able to be treated as they go through withdrawal effects after Naloxone has been administered.
First Responders showed up throughout the afternoon and received recognition. Among them were area police and ambulance workers.
Rob Shick works with Kittanning EMS and received a recognition award.
“It is great receiving recognition and awards like this. I have been doing this since 1984. When they asked me the number of ‘saves’ I have had, I couldn’t put a number on it. Sometimes it is on a weekly basis – at least a few times a month. Within the past couple of years getting to know people on a personal basis through my own alcohol recovery, it gives a whole different meaning and a different perspective for me when I show up on these calls. I have more insight than I did at one point of time. I have more empathy.”
Larry Rice from Manorville is a paramedic with Kittanning Hose Co #6 Ambulance Service. He said there are all types of reasons for an overdose.
“There are some people that do this recreationally and there are some that are legitimately hooked on it,” Rice explained. Although paramedics follow protocols when encountering an overdose victim, he said it is still very personal when it happens near where you live.
“We actually just had a neighbor boy that passed away last weekend from drugs. We have had two from Manorville the last few years that were drug-related,” Rice said.
Jason Orton was recognized for his work with Allegheny Health Network and ACMH Hospital as a pre-hospital coordinator. He also assists the Commission on a variety of projects to be able to partner with EMS agencies and meet the needs of individuals who are struggling with opioid abuse disorder.
Christopher Airgood, formerly with West Kittanning Police Department, now works in law enforcement in New Bethlehem. He has responded to more than a dozen overdose situations.
“There would be 12 people not here today if it wasn’t for the quick and effective work of Officer Airgood,” Krafick said in introducing him.
Ronald Baustert is an officer with the Apollo Police Department. He has five documented individuals whose lives were saved by his response in administering Naloxone.
There were additional First Responders that joined the Commission activities yesterday and received awards.
Bonnie Dulany of Kittanning was recognized as a “Recovery Champion”.