By Stephen Smoot
As the opioid crisis evolves in Harrison County and all over West Virginia, the ripple effects of ruined lives and annihilated families continue to spread. These waves of despair affect the most vulnerable, most profoundly.
To help to keep the community informed of the widespread effects of drug addiction, as well as ways to roll back the problem, the Harrison County Elks Lodge 2875 has put together a program for both the community and for area school children.
As Jeff Barnhart, PER Central West Virginia Elks Drug Awareness Chairman stated in a release, the lodge “is excited to announce that in cooperation with the Harrison County Board of Education, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, and Harrison County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Elks’ National Drug Awareness Speaker Ray Lozano will be touring each Harrison County middle and high school the week of September 18-21.”
He added that they will also hold a community forum at Robert C. Byrd High School Auditorium on Sept 19 at 6 PM, saying “we invite the public, community leaders, parents, grandparents, clergy, coaches, sports teams, and any others who would like to receive information.”\
The effect of drug abuse on children creates added dangers related to instability, in addition to kids trying drugs themselves. As Barnhart explained, “we are seeing more and more of our youth being affected by drug abuse. Grandparents are now raising their grandchildren due to parents being incarcerated or deceased due to the drug epidemic that has faced our communities.”
One of the primary goals of the program lies in prevention through education. Lozano, Barnhart says, “uses a unique approach to education on the dangers of drug abuse.” A former comedian, Lozano uses humor to establish a connection with schoolchildren, and “is able to inject comedy with real life stories to keep the attention of his audience.” Children can respond freely to keep the presentation interactive, as opposed to giving a lecture as has often been done in past generations.
Barnhart shared that Harrison County has always had “heroes” working against the scourge of drugs. He cited the impact of Tommy “Franco” Thomas. Thomas worked as a patrol officer for Clarksburg Police Department, putting a great deal of time and effort into maximizing the effectiveness of the DARE program. Once again, a respectful give and take is key. As Barnhart stated, “Patrolman Thomas made it a point to interact with children and families, providing education to students at the grade school level.” He also started a boxing gym for both youth and adults. It not only gave a positive way to develop oneself and stay off the streets, but it also “provided a non-judgmental zone for youth and adults to participate without having to worry about financial means.”
Rampant drug use has affected the community in multiple ways. Barnhart cites the spiral of family disintegration as a key issue. “The family unit that used to exist no longer does, in many cases, due to family members splitting to do drugs.” Barnhart says that the key to breaking this “never ending situation” lies in “more drug education . . . at an early age” to enable better life choices.
The job market has also been skewed by drug addiction. “Employers,” he said, “are no longer able to find willing and able bodied people to fill open job positions.” In some cases, addiction keeps an otherwise skilled individual from even functioning on the job. Others may have enough function to work, but cannot pass a drug screen. This has resulted in some businesses leaving the area because they cannot fully staff.
The three legs of the response “stool” lie in prevention, enforcement, and treatment. The state has struggled thus far to create enough opportunities for treatment. “State and local governments need to work together, “ Barnhart says, “to find a means of providing more facilities to treat this illness of drug use.” Too many return too soon to an environment that undoes the good done by treatment, He suggests that the recent settlement should be used to expand treatment options, “and not place the funds into a non proven system.”\
Barnhart expressed optimism for the future, with educating children early and important factor. “Life is full of choices,” he said, “and by educating the population, this will pass.”