Coalition tackles issues facing young people Underage drinking, drug abuse addressed
source="92ed4d6e6499020a07efb9905f2da965.jpg"
Underage drinking and the impact of drugs on the community highlighted discussion at a community event which was held Thursday evening, March 27, in Union County.
The program took place in the cafeteria at Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. Nearly 40 people of all ages attended the presentation.
Last week's event was presented by the Rising Up for a Change Coalition of Union County.
The coalition has brought people with various backgrounds and interests together to work to improve the health and well-being of all Union County residents. The coalition works to promote prevention efforts to decrease substance abuse and underage consumption of alcohol and drugs.
Coalition meetings are planned at 11:30 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at The Fellowship House in Anna.
Panelists who participated in the discussion at last week's meeting included:
Kasee Wood, a member of the prevention staff at The Fellowship House in Anna, who served as moderator.
Mickey Finch, chief executive officer of The Fellowship House.
Union County Sheriff David Livesay.
Union County State's Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds.
Kailee Burgin of Sikeston, Mo., who shared her story of recovery from addiction.
Jane Pfefferkorn of Sikeston, Mo., executive director of the Mission Missouri program. Mission Missouri is a faith-based social services agency which specializes in recovery support services.
Speakers highlighted the important role in educating the community about underage drinking and drug abuse issues. Parents especially were encouraged to be alert to these critical issues which face young people.
Mickey Finch of The Fellowship House noted that young people face "many challenges" today.
"I hope you, as members of this community, will help us. What we want is for you to be good role models."
Mission Missouri's Jane Pfefferkorn said she was glad to see the kind of work being done by the Union County coalition.
"It's very encouraging to see people come together and try to make a change," Pfefferkorn said.
Pfefferkorn addressed concerns about the rising use of heroin in the region. The drug could be a catalyst for a "potential disaster," she said. "It is here. It is moving out of the cities and right into rural areas."
Action is needed to ensure that the deadly drug will not "destroy more lives," she said. "It quickly destroys your community."
Union County Sheriff David Livesay encouraged parents to take an active role in the lives of their children. Discussion about underage drinking and drug abuse has to start at home, the sheriff advised.
"Kids need to know mom and dad care," the sheriff said.
Union County State's Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds said that programs such as those presented last week by the coalition help to make a difference by educating the community about the crucial issues facing young people.
Edmonds also encouraged parents to be engaged in the lives of their children.
"You've got to take ownership. You've got to be engaged with your kids," he said.
The state's attorney also voiced concerns about the impact of heroin in Union County.
"Heroin is a huge, huge problem in this community," he said.