Magisterial District Judge Andrea Duffy.
On Thursday evening, the Drug Addiction Resource Alliance (Dara) hosted its first Juvenile Addiction Information Forum.
The night was filled with a variety of speakers that shared different perspectives about juvenile addiction. There was also a powerful and emotional PowerPoint presentation by a representative of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Heads Up program, that showed that reality and horrors of drug addiction and overdosing.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office had their Pill Take Back Car on the premises so that attendees could bring unwanted or expired prescription drugs for disposal. Other features included a discussion on vaping and free naloxone and training.
Pastor Marianne Unger of Heidelberg United Church of Christ in Hatfield provided the evening’s invocation. Faith leaders in the community are encouraged to reach out to DARA if they are interested in providing the invocation at a later date.
Pennsylvania Representative Liz Hanbidge told her story about her connection to addiction as a daughter of an addict, and how important DARA is for getting the resources to those in need.
State Senator Maria Collett talked about her experiences as a nurse who dealt with patients worried about dealing with pain following trauma. She also mentioned some legislation that is aimed at helping to end the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania.
Magisterial District Judge Duffy presented a certificate to Gary Chesney, the director of inmate services at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, for his efforts to help save lives and his dedication to DARA.
Montgomery County Juvenile Court Judge Wendy Demchick-Alloy shared how she sees juvenile addiction in her court on a regular basis. She shared that she speaks to them on a personal level and helps them work through their struggles. She also spoke to the immense volume of juvenile addiction that is present within Montgomery County.
Margie Watters told her story about how her ex-husband and her adult children struggled with addiction. Her ex-husband died of an overdose and her daughter ended up dying due to complications brought on by her addiction.
“If we don’t get the knowledge to arm ourselves, then we’re not going to make a dent in this,” said Duffy. “Little by little, with each forum, we’re educating more and more people and for that, I’m super grateful.”
The next forum will take place in October at Souderton Area High School.
See Also:
DARA To Host Juvenile Addiction Forum
Lisa Thomas-Laury To Speak At Y Drug Addiction Resource Forum
DARA Hosts Addiction Forum, Provides Free Narcan And Training
Awaiting Court On Drug Charges, Suspect Gets DUI, Spits In Cops’ Face: Police
