Local lawmakers host opioid town hall in Benton Harbor

In Benton Harbor Thursday night, an important town hall was held on the resources available for those battling opioid addiction.

“It’s been a battle, definitely,” said Patricia Harris, a recovering addict. “It's definitely a disease that you've got to get down to the core with everything.”

Harris has battled opioid addiction for nearly 20 years. It took until this past spring when she got in trouble with the law until she finally was able to begin overcoming her addiction.

“They put me in drug court,” Harris said. “It's my first time ever getting in trouble. I was court-ordered the Vivitrol shot and it has saved my life in a lot of ways.”

Now, Harris attends outpatient therapy three times a week and at least two N.A. meetings a day, trying to get as much help as possible.

“It's hard out here,” Harris said. “I’m so happy to hear of the resources.”

Thursday night, Harris and her fellow recovering addicts got information from local lawmakers. State Rep. Kim LaSata hosted the town hall.

For U.S. Congressman Fred Upton, helping combat the opioid epidemic is personal.

“It’s personal to every family,” Upton said. “My family, just this last year. I had a first cousin that struggled with opioids and at the end of the day didn't make it, and we watched him struggle for decades.”

One of the resources available is the organization Voice Change Hope.

“We are a community alliance to help break the stigma of addiction and help people struggling with prescription drug abuse and heroin abuse,” volunteer Robin Ross said.

For Harris, her recovery is her toughest battle.

She has a message for those still battling the disease:

“Reach out,” Harris said. “Talk to people. Don't keep it all in. Don't. Because someone's gonna listen.”

Berrien County is gaining even more resources to combat addiction. A new engagement center named Carol's Hope is set to open up in mid-November.

Carol's Hope will help those recovering, whether it's medical treatment or even a shower.