A community is coming together to combat a deadly epidemic that is sweeping the county.
A group led by Mandy Pfeifer-Walters and Joni Campbell-Behrends, collaboratively known as Heroin Education Leads to Prevention, or H.E.L.P for short, is hosting an event this Sunday, April 6 at 4 p.m. at the Washington Senior High School.
“We’ve called on many of our community leadership to address their people during this evening of revelation and education,” read a statement released by H.E.L.P. “In attendance will be representatives from our city council, county commissioners, the police chief, our sheriff, the city and county [school] superintendents, an E.R. doctor, E.M.S. worker, attorneys representing both juvenile and adult law, as well as our current common pleas court judge.”
A mother who has lost her son to a drug overdose will also take the stage to spotlight how this deadly drug has impacted her family. Video testimony of current and recovering addicts, mothers who have lost kids to heroin, and a child of addicted parents will be shown.
“The goal of the evening is to educate the community on what is currently being done to eradicate this epidemic as well as to thwart any untruths circulating around our county. This is a chance to come together as one and make some changes together.”
On Wednesday, April 9 at 6 p.m., the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office will present their “Operation Street Smart” program to Fayette County, being hosted by Fayette County Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.
H.E.L.P. asked that everyone consider attending one or both of the events, as they are both intended to arm the community with education.