Ripple Effects

“Another overdose reported downtown,” the nightly news anchor said grimly. “Local officials acknowledge addiction and mental health issues have reached catastrophic levels in our community.”

Travis hit mute on the TV, shaking his head. “They don’t get it. This crisis ain’t just a bunch of nameless addicts and homeless folks if that’s what they thinking. All of us are feeling these ripple effects tearing the whole neighborhood apart.”

His friend Andre sipped the black coffee keeping a vigil of yet another sleepless night. His teenage son hadn’t come home in two nights, presumably crashing elsewhere strung out after falling under the grip of powerful street opioids flooding their community.

“Caught Marques passed out in the alleyway behind our apartments twice this month already. I want to believe he can still turn this around. But when I look in his eyes I don’t even recognize my boy anymore…” Andre choked up. Silently he reached for a well-worn flyer though he knew its promises by heart:

“FOUNTAIN OF HOPE COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER. Providing hope and healing to families impacted by addiction. Services include: peer support groups, intervention for users, treatment programs, harm reduction education.”

Andre looked at Travis with newfound resolve, “My son’s still in there somewhere. I can’t just leave him out there while I sit watching this disaster unfold on the 6 o’clock news. Those rehab programs cost an arm and a leg — but maybe this place could help us get to him. Even just to…