Today our speakers were Becky Drozdowicz, Mike Kelly, and Chad Woodman from the Janesville Police Department. Becky shared her very personal and moving story about the effects of addiction and challenges of recovery on the person struggling and the family. She turned for help to the JPD and agencies that can help with recovery many years ago and remains involved in working on solutions in our community to help those in need. Mike is a trainer for the State for recovery coaches- peer advocates who have experienced addiction and recovery, either personally or through a friend or relative. They are trained to provide support for others trying to overcome substance abuse. Wisconsin Voices for Recovery is a statewide peer-run network. The recovery coaching grant is (was?) funded through Wisconsin’s share of the federal State Targeted Opioid Crisis Grant. The Department of Health Services received $7.6 million in May 2017 for projects related to prevention, treatment, and recovery. Mike sees the program morphing into peer support, with more mental health components. He is working on pilot programs in our High Schools.

Chad now runs the DROP Program- death, rehab, or prison. With a Mission Statement 'To combat the use of heroin by solidifying relationships with heroin users and partnering with community treatment resources to prevent overdose fatalities and encourage lifelong sobriety'. Rock County is identified as a 'hot spot' for Heroin in our Country, in part due to our proximity to Chicago/Milwaukee, but also because our law enforcement actively reports activity in our area. As our DROP officer, hi first priority is to assist users to make lifestyle changes, including connecting them with various mental health and treatment services. Realizing that we can't arrest our way out of the Heroin epidemic, the JPD is trying the reduce the number of overdoses through DROP and other approaches. If you or someone you know is facing struggles with addiction, reach out to the JPD at 755-3100, or Chad at woodmanc@ci.janesville.wi.us and learn more about resources available. 

Delanie Arend is the President of Parker Playhouse and loves Theatre. Her Club membership includes Spanish, Science and National Honor Societies, and she participates in as many other Clubs as she has time for. She plays Tennis and Soccer. She hopes to attend John Hopkins for Pharmacology and help with slowing the progression of Lupus.

Greta Hanthorne, a January SOM from Craig, spoke today. She has played Soccer for 4 years and is currently the Captain. She intends to attend UW Oshkosh and continue playing Soccer while she majors in Athletic Training or Teaching.

Congratulations to these students!