About
The Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (FORLR) was formed to assist our recreation center in terms of programming, funding, and manpower. Our first major project was in collaboration with the Wards 3 & 4 Prevention Center, a division of the DC Department of Behavioral Health via a mini-grant dedicated to fighting drug misuse.
Healing Invisible Wounds – Undoing Opioid Misuse was the first joint venture of FORLR, Ward 3 & 4 Prevention Center and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). It consisted of three in-person sessions focused on community drug misuse. The first was held at Culture Coffee Too on July 31, 2021. At that meeting, we introduced the public to the origins of opioid cultivation, use and sadly misuse. This history dates back thousands of years. We also discussed the introduction of Fentanyl, a synthetic drug like morphine but 50 to 100 times more potent.
On August 28, 2021, we held the second session at the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center. There we discussed opioid addiction and recovery and provided NARCAN (Naloxone) training. NARCAN is a powerful tool which provides temporary recovery from an opioid overdose. The attendees learned how to safely administer NARCAN, what to expect after treating the subject, and the role of the DC Good Samaritan Law.
Also, powerful testimony was given by the NARCAN trainers and attendees. In DC, many older methadone users have died because they unknowingly used drugs laced with Fentanyl, that many dealers add to cut the cost and boost the high of their product. They also cited “Big Pharma” as a culprit due to the easy access to and availability of prescription opioids. Lastly, an unstable home environment and weak parental supervision were cited as factors in opioid involvement among youth.
The last session was held on September 18, 2021 at the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center. A refresher NARCAN training session was given. Then a Ward 3 & 4 Prevention Center member and two Drug Prevention trainers, led an open discussion on community opioid abuse. We all arrived at the realization that opioid addiction is a pervasive problem that is destroying our community and limiting the potential of our youth. Their future is our future, and the community must act to preserve it.
Each event also included yoga instruction, music by bands and DJs, face painting and jewelry making for children, and a back to school backpack give a way. We want to thank everyone involved that assisted and participated in these events. There’s certainly more to come!