Pulaski County is not alone, of course. Substance abuse and mental health issues plague lives statewide, nationwide and worldwide. And it’s not as if there aren’t laws, new legislation, medical and counseling services, plus rehabilitation, workforce and education programs, along with nutrition, childcare and transportation services. Also, veterans and family support programs. Private and public (federal, state and local) monies, and grant funds. Professional and volunteer help.

All these efforts help mitigate, but aren’t solving the overwhelming problem. Substance addictions and untreated (or inadequately treated) mental health problems are crippling the lives, souls and economies of communities everywhere.

What to do? What’s next?

Nearly 100 interested community members, and candidates running in this year’s elections attended the Pulaski County Drug Free Council’s town hall Wednesday night (April 24) in downtown Winamac.

The panel discussion addressed these questions:

• What are the present issues?
• What assistance is readily available?
• What needs still remain?

The Drug Free Council defines drug abuse as “The deliberate use of an illegal drug, or of too much of a prescribed drug,” and “A person who is dependent on narcotic drugs leading to an addiction where the person is physiologically or mentally dependent on a drug liable to have a damaging physiological or psychological effect.”

The meeting opened with the showing of a disturbing, graphic local video of an unconscious drug victim being revived with Narcan and CPR administered by county emergency response workers. Pulaski County probation officer Sandra Lucas then began the discussion by citing the following statistics:

• Pulaski County is No. 14 of the Top 20 Indiana counties for average per capita costs of opioid use from 2003-2017. The figure is over $122 million.
• There were 195 EMS incidents that included Narcan administration (1.71% of EMS incidents from 2017-2024)
• 204 Narcan kits were distributed in 2023; 39 used so far in 2024  - Find Naloxone (Narcan) Near Me
• There were 42 overdose deaths from 2016-2023
• There were 990-plus substance related offenses from 2017-2024
• Statistics were also shared from both high schools. Vapes brought into the schools by students were among the most prevalent problems.

With this in mind, the informational brainstorming began.

Sheriff Chris Schramm, along with Lucas, led the discussion. In his second year as sheriff, Schramm said, “I’ve already seen more (devastation) than I want to see for the rest of my life.” He noted his department has three drug-detection dogs working “all the time.” Also, the sheriff and his staff (and their counterparts nationwide) are frustrated with detaining inmates with mental health and addiction issues in jail facilities not designed for the purpose - overseen by staff not trained for the purpose.

Panel member Superior Court Judge Crystal Kocher said she always asks juvenile drug defendants in her court two questions: “What is your drug of choice?” and “How did you get started?” The judge reported the answer to the latter is often that the substances came from the parents. “Children are born into this at home,” she said.

The next panelist, Timothy Gearhart, a licensed clinical addiction counselor, works one day a week at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in collaboration with primary care providers to address addiction in the context of whole health. He also has a small private practice in Winamac, mainly focusing on individuals who are vulnerable to getting into legal trouble as a result of substance abuse disorders, as well as those who are already involved in the criminal justice system due to substance abuse disorders and are seeking ways to triumph over past addictions. He acknowledged that community support is vital to addressing substance abuse problems, and the county “needs more support.”

PMH has recently announced the addition of addiction therapy into its service lineup in response to the pressing need for comprehensive support in tackling substance abuse issues within the community. The program is offered through the hospital’s Medical and Surgical Group’s Integrated Behavioral Health Program (and Gearhart is a part of it). PMH spokesperson Brian Ledley explains this strategic expansion “marks a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges posed by addiction locally. With substance abuse continuing to exact a heavy toll on individuals and families across the region, the decision to incorporate addiction therapy underscores the clinic’s commitment to fostering wellness and recovery.” By providing specialized counseling and support tailored to the needs of individuals grappling with addiction, the clinic seeks to empower clients on their journey towards sobriety and improved well-being.

Panelist Linda Webb, director of nursing at PMH, told the audience that her main concern surrounding substance abuse is “the stigma” it has on those trapped in addiction and their families.

MacKenzie Ledley, administrator of the Pulaski County Public Library, shared the insight library employees acquire through the patrons who use the facility as a “safe place” in the community, especially children – after school and through the summer. She explained safe place factor is true for people suffering from mental health issues as well as substance abuse. “For some, the library is a respite from the problems at home,” she said, or even just a shelter from extreme hot or cold weather. The library also serves as a reference center with books and materials on subjects that may be troubling a child or adult. “We can also connect patrons with community services that can aid them,” Ledley said.

Catherine Dywan, a licensed clinical social worker, picked up on the thread of troubled children. She has been practicing as a behavioral health therapist since 2012, and serves as Integrated Behavioral Health Program Director for PMH’s Medical and Surgical Group. Her passion is working with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and parenting strategies. “There are many children suffering from anxiety and depression,” she reported.

The focus on children continued with Angie Radtke, principal at West Central Middle/High School. “We have many hurting, suffering children whose family lives are broken,” she said. “Their stories are heart-wrenching,” she added tearfully. “We do what we can, but it’s only a band-aid. For some kids, school is the only ‘normal’ they know.”

Jill Collins, principal at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School, added, “We see this every day. Teachers, aides, bus drivers are all on the front line. It’s frustrating and overwhelming. We’ve never seen it this bad. We’re tired – but still hopeful.”

Winamac Community High School principal Cody Hook confirmed that “every issue we deal with traces back to mental health and drug factors more and more.” He added the vaping problem is a manifestation of those larger issues. “We need help. The problem is larger than we can handle at school.”

Discussion points raised

The town hall meeting then opened up to discussion and questions from the audience, which included professionals from mental health and substance abuse programs, plus family members of those who are afflicted.

Points raised included the following:

• Substance abuse and mental health issues can be found in homes of all socio-economic levels, all religious/cultural backgrounds, all ages and education levels, all parenting strategies.
• More awareness is needed on how to recognize common signs of addiction, as well as anxiety, trauma and depression.
• More resources are needed for parents. More effort is needed to unite parents/family members with resources that do exist.
• Longer terms of treatment are needed (there is too much early release).
• More funding/support is needed from insurance, Medicaid.
• More volunteers are needed on program boards.
• MORE COLLABORATION is needed among all government agencies, public and private programs, schools, health services, businesses, organizations, churches and citizens.

The many area programs and services available to address the mental health and drug issues were listed and their offerings outlined.

State Sen. Ed Charbonneau was present at the meeting and gave an update on 2023 and 2024 legislation in the Indiana General Assembly to address mental health and addiction matters.

The evening ended with everyone present having a much greater understanding of the extent of the mental health and substance abuse problems facing the county. The frustration is high. Sheriff Schramm acknowledged that in spite of the various available programs to him, the outcomes aren’t what everyone would wish. “I just don’t know what to tell people,” he said. “I need answers. I’m at a loss.

The discussion will continue

The Pulaski County Drug Free Council has scheduled additional public town hall meetings, all at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, June 12, Sept. 18, and Dec. 11, at Celebration Station, downtown Winamac.

Editor’s note: Limited discussion was held on the prevalent drugs of choice used in Pulaski County. But in a later interview with the Post, Sheriff Schramm reported that it is mostly methamphetamine and heroin. With vape usage by teens, it is largely marijuana. Drug usage deaths in the county have all resulted from illegal drugs laced with fentanyl.

About Pulaski County Drug Free Council

The Pulaski County Drug Free Council is the local alcohol, tobacco and other drug coalition of the Governor’s Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana. The mission of the LCC (Local Coordinating Council) is to bring together representatives, organizations, and agencies, both public and private, which seek to provide optimal resources for the combating of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse in Pulaski County. The LCC formulates a countywide comprehensive plan, and evaluates and restructures this plan annually to ensure PCDFC goals are met. Finally, we fund various projects and programs by awarding grants from the local portion of the Drug Free Community Fund.