Part of the Solution: Substance Abuse Awareness

WNC schools and students are doing their part to share the facts and their perspectives about opioid and substance abuse.

By: Benjamin Rickert, Communications Dept.

As the nation recognizes the value of substance abuse awareness, WNC schools and students are doing their part to share the facts and their perspectives. This week, students gathered in Black Mountain for the 2019 NC Student Summit on Opioid and Substance Abuse. Also, an informative new musical production for students presented by the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) began a statewide tour, starting here in Asheville.

On March 21, students from Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools gathered to learn about the current state of addiction in our state and nation. The purpose of the student-led summit was to continue working toward a healthier and safer future for all citizens, focusing on ways that young people can make a difference through positive decision-making and peer influence.

MAHEC’s production "It’s Just a Pill" debuted on March 8 at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium in Asheville. The performance will be shown free-of-charge locally in Buncombe, Henderson, and Madison counties, as well as counties in the Eastern part of the state. The entertaining show was performed for students at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate on Tuesday, March 19, and will soon perform in all BCS intermediate schools, as well as A.C. Reynolds and C.D. Owen middle schools.

"BCS is appreciative of the opportunity for our students to see this professional production that is not only entertaining but will also help our students understand the appropriate use of medications, the dangers of substance abuse, and ways to seek help," said BCS Associate Superintendent Susanne Swanger.

Students are also hosting their own discussions about this nationwide issue. For example, on Tuesday, March 26, A.C. Reynolds High’s Youth Opioid Leadership Council will give a presentation to the student body alongside representatives from several community health organizations, including Red Oak Recovery, Buncombe County EMS, and RezHope Recovery. The presentation will be titled ACR Keeping it Real: Bringing Awareness of the Opioid Epidemic.

Buncombe County Schools continues to stand with our community members and partners in underscoring the value of substance abuse awareness in WNC and beyond.

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