Local residents attend Epidemic of Hope

VW independent/submitted information

CIRCLEVILLE — Pastor Bill Watson and Bob Lippi from Turn Right Go Straight and Pastor Paul Hamrick of New Hope Recovery from Van Wert attended the Epidemic of Hope event in Circleville.

The local residents joined more than 500 area community leaders, law enforcement officers, church leaders, and concerned family members who listened as Darryl and Traci Strawberry, Recovery Specialist Pastor Greg DeLaney, Attorney General Mike DeWine, Pastor Jack O’Brien of Harvest Ministries, and others talked about the opiate crisis that is devastating the state, counties, and communities economically, socially, and spiritually. Not only did they share the magnitude of the disaster that Ohio is presently facing, but also communicated that — across Ohio — the call is “enough is enough”.

It is time Ohioans come together as a united team: the faith community, law enforcement, courts, and probation, business community, mental health, recovery services, and state and local government, to bring together resources to defeat this darkness that is robbing people of their future and the lives of young adults. Ohio has become the epicenter of opiate overdose deaths in America, while Dayton has been reported as the No. 1 drug city in the U.S. today.

But there is hope if Ohioans determine to work together to give the state, counties, and communities a better future than they are facing now. Hope is the reason the Van Wert County Ministerial Association and area churches have determined to be pro-active against the opioid/drug crisis. No longer can people have their heads in the sand or ignore the tragedy that is soon to become a tsunami sweeping the nation, state, communities, and homes.

The Ministerial Association is excited to bring The Epidemic of Hope event with Darryl and Tracie Strawberry and others to the area on April 15 at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. From 4 to 5 p.m. will be youth event while Darryl will be speaking, we will be bringing a prevention specialist to share from 4-5 pm youth leaders, coaches, and families. At 7 p.m. will be the Tri-County Main Event evening program at the NPAC. This is ticketed event (people must have a ticket to attend).

The Ministerial Association wanted to have as many people as possible attend, which is why the event is free. The group is receiving donations from churches, community minded businesses, and individuals to underwrite this event.

For more information about the Epidemic of Hope, contact Pastor Hamrick at 419.771.9378 or call Trinity Friends Church at 419.238.4506 to become a co-sponsor or donate to the event.