08/31/2025
So many years ago, the valley and the country was fighting an epidemic. Not a virus or a bacterium but a chemical so potent and addictive that it took lives at a rate close to a flu epidemic or deaths by automobile accidents. It took young and old, poor and rich, white, black, red and brown. It did not discriminate and became its own black market of currency. Oxycontin was its name.
When Oxycontin was pulled and restricted most turned to he**in now it has been replaced by fentanyl. The drug company that produced Oxycontin lied to everyone marketing this most potent and addictive op**te. Perdue has paid billions in lawsuits, but monies paid and finally comming to the states does not come close to the human toll this drug took from our hearts, families and communities. Two to three generations have been affected by this fraud. Families lost mothers, daughters, sons and fathers. This next generation is growing up without parents because of Oxycontin and He**in. Many live with ptsd , pain and loss that no child or family should have to carry.
I write today on International Drug Overdose Awareness Day to remember the souls that shared lives with us in our small community. I know they would all be saying never give up fighting for recovery. I can remember their faces and the pain in eyes of their loved ones when they left us. Never forget least we will be destined to replay or relive the past,. Remember them and weigh the loss of their lives- their lost potential and gifts to life .
I wish a moment of reflection for our lost souls and their families who live with this pain each day, some maybe for a year some for many years. The recovery community knows your loss and applauds your courage to love and live in their honor not shame.
Janice Spinney MWV Supports Recovery
GIF may contain rest in peace