For the past several months, a group comprised of public officials, law enforcement officers, counselors, drug court personnel, recovering addicts and many others have gathered to discuss the growing problem of alcohol and drug abuse in the area. During these discussions, it was determined that a local treatment center or sober house is needed.
The group, originally spearheaded by Destiny Day and Jennifer Marakis, met Tuesday evening in hopes of moving forward in their endeavor. With a less than expected turnout, those in attendance expressed frustration. What seemed like a step in the right direction, turned out to be a step backwards.
Day explained that during last month’s meeting, representatives from Utah Department of Workforce Services, local government officials, an Adult Probation and Parole officer and a medical physician were all in attendance. But at Tuesday’s meeting, none of these officials were present, leaving many to wonder how the project will move forward.
“Public officials need to be accountable,” Roger Benson stated. “Nothing’s going to get done without their help.”
Price City Council member Layne Miller was in attendance and assured Benson that the city will support the group if a definite goal is set. “You need to have a purpose and move in one direction with a clear goal,” Miller explained. “The city will support your effort if you have a definite goal in mind and you approach the council and ask for help.”
Representatives from Four Corners Mental Health pledged to support the groups effort as well, but reminded everyone that a sober house will not come about overnight. Community support and getting the word out are key in opening a facility.
With that in mind, the group decided to host a block party on May 8 at the Price City Peace Gardens to stir up awareness and encourage the public to support the treatment facility effort. The block party will be held in conjunction with a Four Corners addiction prevention event, which the public is strongly encouraged to attend.
Through community events, the group hopes to bring awareness to the addiction issues that plague the area and focus on the importance of a treatment facility.
“We need to breakdown the walls and stereotypes when it comes to addiction,” Methodist Church Reverend Lester Huesby indicated. “If we break walls down, more will get done and we can make this a better place to live.”