Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Assemblywoman Jenne: We need to stand shoulder to shoulder with families struggling with addiction issues


Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, told the crowd at Wednesday's Overdose Awareness and Remembrance Day in Watertown that it will take years to address the substance abuse issues that have hit so many North Country famiilies in recent years.

"We are going to have to be there for the long haul," she told the crowd during the remembrance ceremony outside the Watertown City Hall. "Our community is not going to overcome these challenges overnight. It will take considerable time, patience and commitment."

Assemblywoman Jenne, who joined Jefferson County Legislature Chair Scott Gray, Jefferson County Sheriff Colleen O'Neill and representatives of State Senator Patty Ritchie and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in speaking at the ceremony, said the event hosted by the Alliance for Better Communities demonstrated the support available in the community for those facing addiction issues.

"It is critically important that we pause to really reflect on the devastating impact drug addiction has on our community and fight to get rid of the stigma so we can get more people on the path to recovery and leading a much fuller productive life," she said.

"It's also important we stand shoulder to shoulder with families who have suffered immensely. The loss of a loved one is about as devastating an experience as you can have in your life," Assemblywoman Jenne noted.

The assemblywoman said as she looked around the crowd she saw faces she knew had battled the struggles of addiction and are now leading productive lives as well as the faces of those who are continuing to be strong supporting those in the grips of addiction.

"This tree is about remembering those we couldn't reach," she said, referencing a tree with 174 hearts representing the lives lost in this country each day to drug overdoses. "But this is also about reaching those that we have difficulty reaching."

Assemblywoman Jenne said our community - and families - play an important role in helping those trying to address their substance abuse issues.

"It's the stigma of drug addiction we have to overcome, and often times there are co-occurring disorders, underlying mental health issues, that make the struggle with addiction seem insurmountable. But there are people with us here today who can attest to the fact that we can overcome addiction," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"It's usually overcome by having a strong, stable support group who understand that people are not one dimensional – there is good inside all of us. Many of you here today understand what that process is all about," she pointed out.

She noted addiction doesn't discriminate.

"We come here today from all walks of life, from every demographic background, every element of society," the assemblywoman said, referencing comments also made earlier by Mr. Gray.

"We stand here today in solidarity and to give strength to each other for those working through addiction issues and to those working with their friends and loved ones through addiction and other challenges," she added.

"There are many people who care about you, good people eager to help, dedicated people who you can depend on. There is life after addiction. Absolutely. It starts with reaching out," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

She said the size of the crowd demonstrated the support to assist those battling addiction in the community.

"Thank you very much for being here. Together, we can make a real difference," the assemblywoman said. “Let’s do it.”

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Jefferson County Legislature Chair Scott Gray visits with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and Jefferson County Sheriff Colleen O'Neill at the 2018 Overdose Awareness and Remembrance Day in Watertown.