The City of Southaven has placed black balloons outside of City buildings today in participation of a collective effort to pay silent tribute to all of those who have lost their battle with addiction.  Specifically, opiate addiction is a terrifying trend on a national scale.  Mississippi had 211 deaths last year with Desoto County having the highest number in the state.  Our Southaven EMS team responds to these life-threatening calls now almost daily.

On a personal note, I am as guilty as anyone of viewing addiction as a weakness.  As I’ve gotten older and experienced the devastating effects that addiction can have on people, I realize that this is a risk that affects all of us.  Opiates, especially, can end the life of someone that had harmless intentions. 

It’s time to call attention to this problem and do something about it.  Please join me in creating more conversation and awareness about this risk to help save the lives of all of our families and friends.