“Operation Parent” gives parents tools for drug prevention

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – More than 1,900 Kentucky residents died from drug overdoses last year, according to the latest Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report.

This marks the second consecutive decline in the fight against Kentucky's addiction epidemic and represents a nearly 10% decrease in overdose deaths from 2022, when the most recent report was released in June.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the progress was just the beginning of a drug prevention campaign that is far from complete.

On Saturday, the national nonprofit Operation Parent hosted a drug prevention training for families at City Place in LaGrange. At the event, parents were given tips not only on how to talk to their children about drugs, but also how they can access drugs and what factors can lead children to start using drugs.

“If you only educate about drugs, you miss out on access to them through social media and many other avenues. Mental health is a part of that too,” said Jean Schumn, founder of Operation Parent. “We believe that a comprehensive understanding is the best approach to help parents and children realize how these things are all intertwined.”

Parents were able to listen to guest speakers addressing the opioid epidemic in Kentucky, including Attorney General Russell Coleman and former Attorney General Daniel Cameron.

In June, Coleman announced that Kentucky would distribute more than $12 million in the latest round of opioid settlement funding to groups on the front lines of the fight against drug addiction.

The families were also able to hear inspiring stories from people who have battled their addiction.

Denise and Keith Heid shared how they helped their daughter overcome her opioid addiction.

“In all the chaos and pain there is hope. And when you are in the middle of it, you are not alone. And more parents need to know that they are not alone,” said Denise Heid.

Her daughter, Bree Heid, is now sharing her own recovery story with her parents to educate children about the risks of drug use.

After going through treatment, she now tries to inspire others to quit. Prevention events play a crucial role in connecting families with resources that can break the cycle of addiction, she says.

“This is so prevalent in our community,” Heid said. “I think anything we can have as reinforcements to support the people who need help and the families affected is a wonderful thing.”

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