Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
A recent survey of over 450 area residents shows that half of respondents know someone who has died from a drug overdose. Gail Ploe of Facing Addiction through Community Engagement (FACE Project) says that number caused everyone to do a double take, but she confirms it is a legitimate finding. Public health officials went back to those who answered yes and made sure that they weren’t referencing a famous celebrity or athlete, but were indeed talking about someone they had a connection to. Many respondents said drugs made their communities less safe. They took the survey online and in person. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community ensured that physical copies were available in tribal offices.
Ploe will be on Copper Country Today discussing efforts at the local and county level to help stem addiction. She says Treatment Court has been successful because it shows empathy for those in a difficult situation.
Ploe says that area law enforcement are thankful for the program as it tries to solve the heart of the problem, rather than simply handing out punishment in a reactive manner.
Treatment Court is not the only tool available. Another topic of discussion for Sunday’s show is a relatively new needle exchange program aimed at avoiding an outbreak of serious disease, such as Hepatitis C or HIV.
