Introduction
The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across the USA, leaving families, health-care workers, and first responders struggling to keep pace with mounting tragedy. This KELOLAND news special report shares the stories of those overwhelmed by addiction and the profound grief their loved ones now carry. By putting human faces to the numbers, it reveals the true weight of a public health emergency that is far from over.
Alongside these stories, the report examines the frontline efforts of local doctors, law enforcement, and community organizations working tirelessly to reduce harm and save lives. It explores the barriers they face—from limited resources to rapidly evolving drug supplies—while highlighting the programs and tools that are making a measurable difference. Viewers will also gain insight into the support systems available at both local and national levels, and how each person can play a role in strengthening their community’s response.
Ultimately, this report aims to inform, empower, and inspire action, emphasizing the urgent need for compassion, collaboration, and sustainable solutions as we confront the ongoing opioid crisis together.
Quotes from KELOLAND News Special Report: Opioid Crisis
“We don’t know who it’s going to affect next. Drugs aren’t just for ‘poor people’. Drug addiction affects everyone, socioeconomics play no part in it.”
“It was soon pretty evident that the whole drug culture was pretty attractive to her and I was really concerned as a mom. It’s hard to know what to do. I really feel for everyone out there who has a child that has an addiction problem because you don’t know where to turn and there’s so much stigma surrounding this – it’s hard to even talk to other people about it.”
“I’ve set up a fund called Emily’s Hope because I never gave up hope on my daughter. I want her life and her tragic death to at least give someone else hope.”
ANGELA KENNECKE
“Fentanyl, I believe, is the most radical change in drug trafficking that we’ve ever seen in this country. What you’re seeing is that this is now the go-to additive – it’s a very, very cheap, extraordinarily potent, extremely profitable additive you can put in anything.”
“You don’t wake up in the morning saying, Geeze I hope something happens to my child because I want to be an advocate for something, but it puts you in a spot where you’re left with nothing but that choice to make a difference so that your child didn’t die in vain. I never wanted to think that Ryan’s life did not matter.”
“Good Samaritan Laws are supposed to protect friends who are using together when something goes terribly wrong. South Dakota put one on the books in 2017, yet people continue to overdose and die because those around them are too afraid to call police.”
“My love for the drug was stronger than my fear of the needle. I would have done anything to get it; to keep that feeling, to keep everything just okay.”
“Drug Court has been combining supervision, treatment, counselling, and support since 2011 … there is a team made up of attorneys, law enforcement, treatment counsellors and more to help the people who come here.”
“If you’re not really ready to stop, none of these things are going to help anybody. You literally have to hate this with everything that you have, that’s the only way you’ll ever stop.”
“If he were to slip up – he might – that doesn’t mean that you’re a failure and you start over at day zero. You just get back up and continue walking.”
“The old model for addiction was always total abstinence. In this case, we’re not saying ‘use opioids’. We’re saying we need to use another medication to help that person deal with this so they can move on. Otherwise, it’s almost impossible for some people to get off of these on their own.”
Continue Learning
Please review the additional resources below to find more information on the some of the topics discussed in this resource. If you have any suggestions, comments, or concerns please do not hestitate to contact me!