Previous forums successful, organizers said.
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
As trends grow nationally and regionally, Westosha Central High School is hosting a community forum on heroin use within the community, where organizers hope to attract sponsors to help offset costs associated with bringing in guest speakers.
According to school counselor Elisa Rosenick, the Nov. 1 event, titled “A Stairway to Heroin” aims to raise awareness and offer educational opportunities, similar to forums held in the Waukesha County communities of Brookfield, New Berlin, Hartland and Oconomowoc.
“Prompted by these efforts and the disturbing fact that heroin overdoses have tripled in the last three years in Waukesha County, we decided to take a closer look at our community,” Rosenick stated in an email released to reporters.
Sparked by the efforts by communities similar to Western Kenosha County, Rosenick and other organizers chose to bring the education to Westosha Central, adding addiction affects people of all backgrounds.
Citing earlier forums, Rosenick believes the program has been successful, and had a desire to bring awareness to the community.
“No community, whether urban, suburban or rural, is immune to the impact this dangerous drug has on its members,” Rosenick stated in a later email.
“These educational forums have been very successful in other communities in the state.”
Scheduled to speak and deliver presentations at the forum is from a parent whose child had been affected, Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital Emergency Director Timothy Westlake, Kenosha Drug Operations Group, Director Chris Gleason of of Rosecrance in McHenry County along with a story of hope from a family affected by the addiction.
“Any family can be impacted,” Rosenick said. “One of the parent presenters is the Lybert Family, who will talk about their son, his addiction and how it impacted the entire family.”
However, the event comes at a cost, including planning and retaining scheduled speakers.
Sponsors receive a logo on the program, along with a receipt of the tax deductible donation.
The free event is for all community members aged 12 years and older, and bring needed resources to families who are affected by addiction, Rosenick said.
“People should attend to learn about the current drug trends in our community and receive information about how to help steer their children away from addiction,” she stated.
To sponsor the event, make checks payable to Your Choice to Live; 138 North Ave.; Hartland, WI 53029.
Registration for the event is found online at https://stairwaytoheroinwestosha.eventbrite.com.