“We’re starting, we’re stepping up. We want to make a difference,” said Mary Panek, the acting national president for Church Women United.
Faith-based organizations, law makers and other leaders came together Thursday night as part of a national initiative to fight the on-going opioid epidemic.
Church Women United hosted the event “Who is My Neighbor?” at the West Bay Beach Hotel in Traverse City.
Their goal is to join forces and find ways combat the opioid addiction issues across our nation.
“It’s often not talked about but everybody knows somebody,” said Panek.
The nation-wide opioid crisis affects everyone.
That’s why Church Women United is stepping up to join forces with law makers, health departments and community leaders to ask ‘who is my neighbor?”
“The answer to that is everyone,” said Panek. “Our neighbors really are not just around the corner anymore, they’re across the state and they’re around the world.”
Something Church Women United is doing to help those who are in crisis is by creating an app to help those in the moment that they need it. That will be available for everyone starting Nov. 1.
“To be able to help them right now, just by touching the app and sending it to them,” said Panek.
While the crisis stretches across the country, it’s certainly has its effects right here in northern Michigan.
The Leelanau County sheriff says it impacts more than just those struggling with addiction
“Their spouses, their children, people who take care of them in the community,” said Sheriff Mike Borkovich.
He hopes to find some answers.
“What’s the root cause of this problem? Where is this need for escapism coming from?” Borkovich.
Until then, he says they are doing what they can to keep people safe.
“We need to have strong laws in place. We need to have good law enforcement but we also need to have the softer side once you are addicted and hooked, we also need to be able to send you somewhere where there is rehab,” said Borkovich.
The event puts northern Michigan one step closer to finding solutions.
“It’s important that we all get on the same page,” said Borkovich.
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