Fighting the drug problem

To the editor:
What is the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition?
As everyone is aware, substance abuse continues to be an issue that plagues many communities. Many communities are banding together to combat this growing problem by supporting local law enforcement efforts, educating the public about the dangers of substance abuse, and encouraging the efforts to treat individuals suffering with an addiction.
Approximately 20 years ago, Jay County joined the Governor’s Commission for a Drug Free Indiana. The Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers having a goal of bringing information to citizens of Jay County to promote a drug-free county and state.
The mission of JCDPC is to reduce the illegal use and abuse of all drugs in Jay County through education, enforcement, treatment, prevention and coordination with other community agencies.
The members of the coalition come from a wide range of backgrounds. We are involved in holding town hall meetings, Orange Ribbon Week during Jay County prom, Tox Away Day and having a booth at the Jay County Fair.
Membership is free to anyone wanting to join this group of individuals in the fight against substance abuse in Jay County.  Meetings are held the third Monday of the Month at East Jay Middle School.
So mark your calendar for Monday (Sept. 20) at 3:30 p.m. for the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition meeting and become a part of the solution for the substance abuse problem in your community.
Tell or bring a friend. Snacks will be provided.
Gary Hendershot, vice chair, Jay County Drug
Prevention Coalition

Great care
To the editor:
On Aug. 22, 2010, my daughter awakened with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. I rushed her to Jay County Hospital. Dr. David Brown was the emergency doctor on duty. The nurses, X-ray people, lab techs and everyone else who cared for my daughter were beyond professional. It was determined she had a ruptured colon.
She was admitted to Jay County Hospital for emergency surgery. Dr. Burgermeister took her case. Of course, this was on a Sunday. Dr. Burgermeister did a marvelous job and she recovered for 10 days in the hospital. Dr. Robert Robinson followed as her primary care physician. Dr. Robinson is so thorough and kind.
But the story is only half told. The nurses on 2 West at Jay County Hospital are among the best I have ever seen in action in caring for their patients (I, too, am a registered nurse). These nurses, nurse assistance, lab techs and respiratory department were beyond efficient. I have been so glad we chose Jay County Hospital.
I have said all of that to say this: If the people of Jay County knew what a diamond is hidden along Votaw Street, the hospital would be in trouble. It could not grow fast enough to care for the influx of patients.
On Sunday, Sept. 5, my daughter had a relapse and this time the ER found an abcess had formed (this was not unexpected, but we had hoped it would not happen). So again, she was admitted to Jay County Hospital and on Labor Day a second surgery was performed. Much to my delight and surprise, Dr. Burgermeister returned from his weekend off to assist Dr. Boyle in the case. Where in the USA can you ever find such dedication?
My daughter is recovering at home now with expectations of a full recovery, thanks to the professional and competent care she received. My heart will forever be thankful and my mouth full of praise for the wonderful medical facility and staff we have here in Jay County.
Sandy Hines and
Lori Henley-Hines
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