EATON — Following the recent “Bringing Help. Bringing Hope. Thank You.” Week, a tree was planted and dedicated in Fort St. Clair Park in Eaton on Tuesday, April 17, to honor everyone fighting the battle against drug addiction.
The week of appreciation was held April 9-13, allowing local leaders to demonstrate their gratitude to all of the individuals on the front lines who are working to eradicate the scourge of opiates, and help individuals coping with addiction recovery every day.
The Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership (SAPP) wanted to honor those who are battling addiction as well as those who are on the front lines of the fight with them to include first responders, treatment providers, school personnel, criminal justice system, community leaders, supportive services agencies like Job & Family Services, The HIT Foundation, Community Action Partnership, and many more.
According to Amy Raynes, Executive Director of Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board, SAPP is a community group made up of community leaders, individuals in recovery, treatment providers, and everyone listed above who want to provide education and prevention efforts in the county.
“We have provided town hall meetings at every Preble County school as well as in the community. We wanted to thank the community for their work in supporting and treating individuals with substance abuse disorders by providing a breakfast and small token for their efforts. That week was called Bringing Hope, Bringing Help.
“We provided breakfast to all county schools and also a breakfast for the community. We had many organizations and individuals from the community in attendance including our first responders,” Raynes said.
“I would tell the families of those who have experienced loss whether it was a loss of life or loss of dreams that we stand with them in their loss and will continue to provide the treatment and support to those who are battling addiction because treatment does work and people do recover.”
The tree is located near the entrance of the Fort. Its plaque reads, “This tree is dedicated to every individual who battles addiction, and every family member, friend, and all those on the front lines fighting alongside them.”
