East Baton Rouge Battles Opioid Crisis: Forum Urges Community Action
Hosted by Victoria’s Voice, the "Save Our Kids" forum featured personal stories of loss, expert insights, and strategies for tackling the opioid crisis at the grassroots level. One of the most poignant voices was that of Marilyn McCulley, whose daughter tragically died of an overdose in 2022.
BATON ROUGE, La. – In the face of a deepening opioid crisis, East Baton Rouge Parish has recorded at least 139 overdose deaths from January 1 to October 14, 2024, according to the coroner’s office. In response, local officials, community leaders, and families affected by addiction convened a public forum aimed at addressing the epidemic and seeking solutions.
Hosted by Victoria’s Voice, the "Save Our Kids" forum featured personal stories of loss, expert insights, and strategies for tackling the opioid crisis at the grassroots level. One of the most poignant voices was that of Marilyn McCulley, whose daughter tragically died of an overdose in 2022. McCulley shared her heart-wrenching story in hopes of preventing other parents from experiencing similar devastation.
“My daughter was just 16 when she had jaw surgery, and it was the opioid prescription afterward that led her down the path to addiction,” McCulley explained. “We focus so much on recovery from the surgery but forget to think about how to safely wean our children off these powerful pain medications.”
McCulley, along with other panelists, emphasized the importance of education and vigilance for parents and guardians. “Recognizing the signs of drug use, paying attention to behaviors, and having those difficult conversations with our kids is critical,” she stressed. McCulley went further, advocating for random drug tests at home to help detect potential issues before they spiral out of control.
In addition to personal stories, the forum featured speakers like Minister Alex Robertson, youth pastor at Iberville Christian Center, who urged the faith community to get involved. “We can’t just pray this problem away,” Robertson stated. “It’s our duty to learn the signs, engage with our youth, and make sure our kids are safe. As residents of this area, it’s on us to take action.”
The event drew participants from across the region, reflecting the wide-reaching impact of the opioid crisis. Attendees left armed with new knowledge and a collective call to action: to be more proactive, engaged, and supportive as the community continues to battle this ongoing public health emergency.
With overdose deaths continuing to rise, local leaders and families alike hope that discussions like this will turn into lasting solutions.
