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We are truly at a crossroads. With over 100,000+ plus overdose and suicides in 2020 and growing, prevention has never been more important.
The pandemic attributed to those already struggling, preventing many of them from attaining services. Recovery efforts continue today, both in mental health and addiction as well as programs to help homeless get back on their feet.
What makes me an "expert" on this? I experienced it with my oldest son who experienced all this over a span of 23 years before he died of an overdose 1/31/21.
The Right Path for Washington County has provided prevention education and alternative activities for 19 years. I know this is the only way we will ever turn the page on addiction. Law enforcement continues to hit the supply side, but only prevention will change the demand. We all know that chronic disease must be managed and mental illness and addiction are both chronic as defined by the AMA (American Medical Association). Please note we understand that not everything can be prevented, so we must also support treatment and recovery efforts, encouraging healthy mind, spirit and body. Recovery works, people recover, every day, by working their program.
Prevention programs also take commitment.
Red Ribbon Week is October 23rd-30th. Let's all don a red ribbon this week and remember the story behind the symbol and our own commitment to make prevention a top priority in our schools, homes and communities. If you are looking for info or ideas for schools and parents there is a wealth of information available online. Just google Red Ribbon Week.
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference. Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the US Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out of it." I can't not do this," he told her. "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference."
The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexica investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37 year old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later his body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death.
Within weeks of his death, in March of 1985, Camarena's congressman, Duncan Hunter, and his HS friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs in his hometown of Imperial Valley California. Club members pledged to live drug free lives to honor Kiki and others on behalf of all Americans.
These coalitions began to wear red badges of satin, Red Ribbons, as a symbol of Camarena and the sacrifice he made. This was where Red Ribbon Week began.
Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Kiki's memory and further the cause he gave his life for. We must continue to support law enforcement as they work to curb the supply by changing the demand through prevention education programs.
Please wear a Red Ribbon the last week in October to show your support for all the efforts being made to change to landscape and help youth know they are enough, without drugs and alcohol getting in the way of their dreams and plans for their future.
Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to help make it happen.
Many of us have paid the ultimate price.
Cathy Harper
Marietta