Montgomery County police officers, prosecutors and drug treatment officials joined forces with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to launch a program to help those suffering from substance use disorder obtain addiction treatment. (MediaNews Group file)
Ongoing efforts highlighted to combat opioid crisis
As September marks National Recovery Month, Montgomery County officials recognized the impact addiction can have and emphasized that no two stories are alike.
Gina Higgins, a certified recovery specialist coordinator with the Montgomery County Office of Drug and Alcohol, took to the podium on September 18 to address the trio of county commissioners. While highlighting the significance of the occasion observed each September since 1989, it’s particularly personal for Higgins. Higgins shared how her father died of an overdose when she was 13 years old, her mother struggled with alcohol and she herself dealt with her own journey with addiction.
“I also stand before you as a person in long term sustained recovery myself. So thank you all for affording me the opportunity,” Higgins said.
The 10-year struggle began when Higgins was 19 years old as her substance use disorder progressed. She overdosed seven times.
“Thankfully, Narcan was very well distributed, and my life was able to be saved,” Higgins said. “I am only here today to stand in front of you because someone was able to administer Narcan and saved my life.”
Higgins also revealed she attempted treatment numerous times in both inpatient and outpatient facilities, but did not find recovery until she entered the Montgomery County Drug Treatment Court. Higgins had previously had encounters with the criminal justice system, experiencing periods of incarceration as well as supervision services, probation and parole.
“So I stand before you today as a proud and dedicated employee of Montgomery County who just celebrated 10 years of continuous recovery,” she said, her words met with applause from the audience.
Family story shared
Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder was touched.
“Congratulations on a decade in recovery, and we are so proud to have you here as an employee in Montgomery County,” she said. “Your story gives many hope that suffering from addiction shouldn’t be a blemish and preclude you from all the possibilities that life has to bring. I want to thank you for working here, and choosing to be here, and choosing to be a voice for the recovery community.”
Having dealt with addiction in her own family, this month holds a significance for Winder, she said, but telling the story wasn’t easy.
“I was always fearful to share our family’s story, especially as I entered into this public service. Fear of judgment, fear of just exposing our family and that our family was not perfect,” Winder said. “When you sit in positions where decisions are being made, you have a responsibility to be able to relate to people that you’re serving, and share those personal stories so others know that they’re not alone.”
Winder said her brother, Randy, had just reached an important milestone of one year of sobriety. While Randy couldn’t attend the commissioners' meeting, Winder took the opportunity to congratulate him by reading an emotional statement she posted on her Facebook page.
“His journey through drug addiction has been filled with challenges, incarceration, setbacks, and hard fought battles, but through it all, Randy has shown an unbelievable strength and resilience that I couldn't be more proud of,” Winder said. “Our mother played such a critical role in his recovery, fighting for him and advocating for his wellbeing every step of the way.”
Winder’s mother, Bettye Winder, died on April 1. She was 77. Winder said “I know she’s looking down on Randy today and I'm so proud of the man he’s becoming. While I wish she was here to witness this milestone, I feel her spirit with us cheering him on.
“Randy’s story is a reminder that no matter how hard it gets, there is always hope and there is always a way forward. So to my brother Randy, to everyone out there still fighting, know that you are not alone. You are loved, you are strong and your story is far from over,” she said. “Randy, I am so proud of you. Keep moving forward one day at a time.”
County efforts to combat opioid crisis
The Montgomery County Recovery Community Center distributed 54 doses of Narcan to locations in Lansdale, Norristown, Pottstown, and Schwenksville. The county’s drug and alcohol office has also been cultivating a stigma reduction campaign. Several events are taking place over the coming days in observation of National Recovery Month. Call, 610-278-3642, email [email protected] for more information.
Montgomery County officials are also seeking public input on ways to use nearly $60 million in national opioid settlement funds. Those interested can fill out the Montgomery County Opioid Settlement Funds Survey online.
“The opioid epidemic has touched every corner of our county, and it’s crucial that we take a thoughtful, community-driven approach to utilizing these funds,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Neil Makhija said in a statement. “We urge everyone to participate in this survey to help us make a real and lasting difference in our community.”
The county will receive installments of around $3.7 million per year for 18 years, totaling roughly $59.7 million, and has received three payments so far that have funded eight projects, according to a county spokesperson.
“The public’s input will help us prioritize funding for programs and services that address recovery, prevention, and treatment efforts across Montgomery County,” Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello said in a statement.
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