On April 19th Central Cambria joined several other schools from the area at the UPJ Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center for a drug awareness program. The program kicked off with a presentation by Dr. Amanda Ellis, a DO in the ER at Conemaugh Hospital. Ms. Ellis’ presentation was very eye opening, and outlined a first-hand account of the harsh effects that drugs can have on your body and mind.
Following Ms. Ellis’ presentation, a panel of local professionals took the stage to share their experiences with the drug epidemic in the area and answer questions from students. The panel was made up of Dr. Amanda Ellis (ER DO), Chief Jason Hunter (Somerset County Bureau of Investigation), Detective Thomas Keirn (Richland Police), Jeff Lees (Cambria County Coroner), and Eric Millinder (Counselor). This discussion focused mainly on the drug problem that is facing our area. Mr. Lees, in particular, offered staggering numbers that demonstrated how much this epidemic has grown in the last few years, and how deadly the consequences can be.
The program concluded with Kali Hepburn, a current student at UPJ, and Jake Zaffuto, a graduate of West Virginia University. Both Ms. Hepburn and Mr. Zaffuto shared personal stories dealing with how drugs affected their lives and the lives of their friends and family. Their stories had a great impression on the students and will hopefully lead others that might be in similar circumstances to get help for themselves or their loved ones.
