An item in the Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa., reports on an effort of area pastors and other leaders in Cambria County to address the growing opioid problem in the area. Rick Horner, pastor of the Conemaugh, Pa., Grace Brethren Church, is quoted in the article. A portion of the story appears below. Click here to read the complete article.
Diverse groups being brought together in fight
As the opioids problem intensified and spread into the small communities and rural areas of Cambria County, agencies began rolling out programs to address the growing epidemic.
Schools, health-care agencies, social services, businesses and law-enforcement communities were attacking the scourge on different fronts.
Nothing seemed to be making a dent, so leaders began looking for a way to join forces.
A united effort was launched with formation of the Cambria County Drug Coalition in September 2016, with Ronna Yablonski serving as executive director. …
The evidence-based Botvin LifeSkills program has been introduced as a prevention tool in school districts across the county, and the Conemaugh Valley Ministerium brought in the Living Free seminar to help community leaders, teachers, parents and others learn to deal with addicts and those affected by addiction.
An educated, understanding community can grow into a support circle for others dealing with the same troubles, Grace Brethren Church Pastor Rick Horner said.
Click here to read the complete article.