WEST CHESTER — While the stats may be grim – with some 22 million Americans suffering from addiction and only 1 in 10 ever receiving treatment – the YMCA of Greater Brandywine is working to offer help and hope to those impacted by the grip of addiction.
Partnering with Kacie’s Cause and the Chester County Chapter of Pennsylvania Recovery Organization – Achieving Community Together (PRO-ACT), the Y will host a public screening of The Anonymous People, a riveting documentary about the 23.5 million Americans living in long-term recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.
The screening, appropriate for ages 16 and up, will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, at the Jennersville Y, 880 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove. A question-and-answer session with an expert panel will follow the film.
This event will be closed to media to ensure privacy and foster open dialogue.
“Too often, this issue gets swept under the rug, leaving many people hurting across our community, often times in silence,” said Denise Day CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “We can help make a real difference by convening the dialogue and providing vital resources to those who are dealing with addiction. It aligns powerfully with the Y’s mission to support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”
Opioid abuse is at an all-time high and leads the way in death from drug overdose with heroin usage more than doubling for youth between 18 and 25 years of age. National numbers on death by overdose reached 47,000 in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Those figures hit even closer to home as some 1 in 4 families suffer from addiction in Pennsylvania, and rates of drug-related deaths exceed the national average.
A statement released by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office addressed the deadly heroin epidemic in Chester County. Heroin touches so many lives right here in Chester County – all ages, races, income levels and living situations. There are students in all of the Chester County high schools using heroin. No one is immune. Heroin is here and destroying families.
With much of today’s media attention on glamorizing addiction, The Anonymous People takes a different angle – highlighting inspiring stories of those who can – and do – recover. It’s a message well worth sharing, Day said.
“Every day, we support community members on their journey to achieve total wellness, for body, mind and spirit – no matter their background or challenges,” Day said. “Knowing what is possible, that there are people rooting for you and your success can be the difference. We are proud to partner with Kacie’s Cause and PRO-ACT to help encourage and protect kids and families in Chester County.”
