(left to right): Skills USA Treasurer Jacob Botticher, Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission representative Jennifer McCroskey, Coroner Jerry Overman, Sheriff Fyock and Bach, Skills USA President Sara Coffman, and Skills USA Vice President Travis Platt.
The Indiana County Technology Center’s Skills USA chapter invited local authorities to speak to the ICTC student body about the heroin epidemic in Indiana County, and the dangers of drug use. The assembly, hosted last Thursday, February 23, included remarks from Indiana County Sheriff Robert Fyock, Coroner Jerry Overman, and The Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission representative Jennifer McCroskey.
The current situation with the heroin epidemic is an obvious concern. ICTC Skills USA students recognized the need for awareness within our school. AJ Wright, President of Skills USA, was a part of planning this assembly, “Skills USA wants students to be aware not only of the dangers, but to realize there is help available for anyone struggling with addiction.”
During the assembly, Sheriff Fyock introduced K9 officer Bach and demonstrated how they work together to locate drugs. Coroner Jerry Overman provided some statistics regarding the drug problem and stated that over the years, the drug overdoses in Indiana County have been rising, and the amount of overdoses that end in death is too many. Jennifer McCroskey of the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission spoke out about addiction, warning signs, and the services available to those in need.
Anyone who is struggling with addiction, or who knows someone struggling should get help immediately. This can be stopped, and just know, you are not alone.