Stop our drug-induced nightmare

To the editor:

It is that time of year again to do the Halloween movie marathon.

There are a few classic Halloween movies that I think everyone watches. My favorite is “Hocus Pocus.” My husband’s is “Dracula.”

My daughter, on the other hand, likes “Nightmare on Elm Street,” which is way too scary for me, especially, now since the “Nightmare on Elm Street” has become the nightmare on any street.

The drug problem is no longer limited to a certain street, socio-economic level or even age. The nightmare is affecting everyone.

The frightening facts about drug use in our community is scary:

According to the Surgeon General’s report:

•In 2014 there were 47,055 drug overdose deaths in the United States

•27.1 million drug users

•$400 billion annually is attributed to crime, health and lost productivity from drug use.

Locally:

•236 opiate overdoses in Jay County in 2017

•12 drug related deaths in Jay County in 2017

•Over 100 Jay County residents in drug rehab in 2017

Just like in the movie, the nightmare has become a reality.

We need to wake up from this nightmare. We need to act now prevent this nightmare from spreading and becoming even more frightening.

Let’s become the force that stops this epidemic. Contact the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition (housed at Portland Police Department) at (260) 726-7161 and find out how you can help.

Cindy Denney

Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition