Celebrating initiatives committed to fight against opioid epidemic
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Celebrating the initiatives that commit to continuing the fight against the opioid epidemic.
On Wednesday morning, the Monroe County commissioners commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) Program and the 'We Fight Fentanyl' campaign.
LETI and the we fight fentanyl campaign have seen great success in the past year.
Now, the county hopes to continue that momentum.
'Addiction is not prejudiced. It can consume anyone's family and take anyone's life,' said Stephanie Blew in the We Fight Fentanyl Testimonial.
Stephanie from Saylorsburg knows firsthand the devastating effects of addiction; she lost her brother in 2019 and began her journey to overcome the disease nearly six years ago.
Now, she's saving lives by sharing her story as a part of Monroe County's We Fight Fentanyl Campaign.
'For me to put my heart and soul into this campaign is also giving him the justice that he deserved and allowing his memory to still be alive,' Stephanie explained.
The We Fight Fentanyl Campaign also exists in Carbon and Pike counties. In Monroe County, it's celebrating one year alongside the LETI program.
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The two aim to provide tools, treatment, and education to overcome substance use disorder.
'I think we're making a lot of ground with informing people educating them on how to deal with this if it's a loved one or if it's themselves where they can go for help,' said Certified Recovery Specialist Stan Lewandowski.
The programs have resulted in a reduced number of overdose deaths and have connected more than 100 people to the resources they need.
Monroe County is also making strides with its distribution of opioid settlement funds to organizations that help people recover.
'These programs are needed. It's really important for all of these different components and departments to come together,' Justin's House Executive Director Kenneth Ramirez stated.
Kenneth Ramirez is the executive director of Justin's House, a licensed recovery center for men in Monroe County.
The funds gave the organization a new van to break down barriers and transport people to and from life-saving services, helping others get the help they need.
'We do recover,' Ramirez explained.
All of these efforts coming together, to fight for the same cause in the county.
County officials plan to continue the fight by providing opioid settlement funding to more community organizations that support recovery and treatment.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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