Indiana

Education, From The Capitol To The Classroom

Brown County Schools ‘Get Real’ About Addiction After Overdose Deaths

    Barb Foley’s son Kyle, a graduate of the school district, died from an overdose in July.

    “Meth and heroin are killers,” Foley tells the students. “Don’t think you can just try them one time walk away from it. Heroin stole my son’s last breath. It left a big hole inside of me. A big part of me is gone that can never be replaced.”

    Samantha Taylor, formerly addicted to drugs, dropped out of high school when she was in 10th grade. She shared her story and didn’t hold back.

    “I started doing heroin at 16, and it just went on from there,” Taylor says.

    In the last few months, two Brown County High School graduates have overdosed and died. Superintendent Laura Hammack says it sent shock waves through the community and the hallways where the students walk to and from class.

    “It’s surreal to go to those funerals, to see pictures of these students who lived such vibrant lives and now are lost,” Hammack says.

    Brown County High School students are packed into the school auditorium. The freshmen and sophomores listen as three community members bluntly share how drugs have impacted their lives. Barb Foley’s son Kyle, a graduate of the school district, died from an overdose in July. “Meth and heroin are killers,” Foley tells the students.

    Read more at: indianapublicmedia.org

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