By Rachel Gomez
Not enough action is being taken at the state and federal levels to combat the growing illegal distribution of illicit drugs and powerful prescription pills. Close to 24,000 people die of drug overdoses every year in the U.S., according to federal statistics.
Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE) Task Force is a nonprofit that goes into schools and colleges to educate students and their parents about the dangerous consequences of using and mixing legal and illegal drugs. The agency brings its message to both public and private forums to focus attention on an epidemic that is killing children and adults alike. NOPE Task Force also aims to get youths addicted to drugs into treatment programs.
During this time of year, the holiday season can be hard for parents who have lost children to drugs. NOPE Task Force has a support group for them in West Palm Beach, Fla. so they can openly discuss their problems, process their feelings, and hear others talk about their situations.
NOPE Task Force believes that whether you’re a young person dealing with substance abuse or a grieving parent, you’re not alone. To find out more about NOPE Task Force, visit www.nopetaskforce.org.
Rachel Gomez is a journalist who writes for NOPE Task Force. She can be reached at gomez.rachel@gmail.com or call Rachel at 561.478.1055
