Community needs to band together

To the editor:
Everyone, it’s here, and our community is dying.
If we don’t stand together and take back our community, it will only get worse. We all as a community need to put forth some effort to get this right.
Drugs are taking over. This has become an epidemic.
People, you need to quit sweeping it under the rug or living in denial.
If we don’t stop and try to help in any way possible, I promise you, we will lose this battle.
Our police officers cannot do all that needs to be done. Nor should they if you care and want to make this a safe and good community so we can go back to Portland — A Place to Grow.
How many more people do we have to lose before we wake up or until it hits your home?
People are losing their families, jobs and homes.
We’re all guilty of passing judgment.
I’m asking that we take a different approach, helping them get the help and support they need that I believe would be better for all. We need to open our hearts and minds.
Everyone is addicted to something — food, soda, cigarettes, shopping, alcohol, etc. This list goes on.
Some say it’s a choice, and I agree, but haven’t we all made some bad choices at one time or another. I ask you to remember not all addicts are bad people, but good people making bad choices. The sad thing is a lot of them know they don’t want to be that person.
I’ve talked to a few and they said they hate that other person and know it’s wrong when they’re doing drugs, but it’s so hard to stop. These are the people we’re wanting to help and give hope to.
This is our future coming up and right now that’s really scary.
I have lived in this county most of my life. I loved growing up here, but now I’m so ashamed of what has happened to this town.
I know you’re saying, “It’s everywhere.” True. But I don’t live in those other places, I live here, and this is a real concern for me.
I’m not so sure jail or prison is the answer. Getting them the help they really need is such a better answer.
And believe me, I know you can’t help someone until they’re ready, but if we don’t try, shame on us. And one of the first steps is admitting they have a problem and want the help.
I’m going to start up a family support group for families trying to cope and understand addicts. We will be handing out pamphlets with information on the drugs, what to look for, their actions and plans for the community to help.
People, do your research and see where and how this heroin is coming into our county. You might be surprised.
If you see something that is troubling, report it to the police. They can’t be all places at once.
It’s time, past time, to take back and clean up our community so we can be proud to say, “Portland — A Place to Grow.”
Please again open your hearts and minds to help our troubled community. I would appreciate the help and support from all.
Remember this is your town too. And don’t think this won’t or can’t happen to the ones you love, because it can.
This support group is to let you know you are not alone. Our goal is to help families to help those that want help.
We would appreciate the help, support and donations to help those in need.

Remember:
What if I fall …
Oh but darling
What if you fly …

Truly concerned,
Teresa Watters
Portland