Flaco Guapo Media
SAN ANGELO – “WHEREAS, approximately 15 million current drinkers in the United States are dependent on alcohol; . . .” Prior to that excerpt from a proclamation that was read Monday afternoon by Tom Green County Sheriff’ Lt. Keith Muncey, a local law enforcement public information officer stated, “I hate numbers because they are false.” Numbers really aren’t a true indicator of a problem that a local community is facing,” San Angelo Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Tracey Piatt-Fox.
SAPD PIO, Piatt-Fox and four other individuals representing their respective agencies were on hand for Alcohol & Drug Abuse for the Concho Valley/ and The Concho Valley C.A.R.E.S. Coalition’s (Community Action and Resources for Empowerment and Success) presser that was held Monday, April 1, at the Bosque, 330 S. Irving St. during the noon hour. ADACCV’s Prevention Director, Courtney Bingham, stated that the presser was in conjunction with the month of April, recognized as Alcohol Awareness Month. “As a community, I encourage everyone to step up and educate our youth on the importance of staying alcohol free.” “And to support them in making this life-changing decision” said Bingham prior to introducing the five guests invited to speak.
“As far as alcohol consumption by minors, SAPD showed 26 incidents last year” said Piatt, Fox who was actually the fourth person to speak in behalf of the SAPD. “The majority of our public intox suspects are people we are arresting on a daily basis.” As a law enforcement officer and I am sure my officers can speak to this to, they don’t belong in jail, they have a problem, they are suffering from addiction; they need treatment.” Jail was not meant to cure addiction,” said Piatt Fox. She concluded by saying that with ADACCV’s Journey Recovery Center being completed this summer from a law enforcement perspective, that is an answer to prayer.
The first representative to speak was TxDOT, Traffic Safety Specialist, Mona Lisa Didelot. “The message always remains the same, plan ahead for a sober ride.” Alcohol related-crashes are 100 percent preventable by calling for a ride with Uber, a friend or stay right where you are at,” said Didelot.
The second representative spokesman was TxDOT, Department of Public Safety’s Sargent, Dustin Baker. Sgt. Baker stated in his remarks that more important than giving out statistics on those individuals driving under the influence, the No. 1 mission for the DPS was “protecting and serving the citizens of Texas.” Baker informed the attendees that PDS plans it shifts accordingly for DWI enforcement as efforts are intensified during weekend and holidays.
Next up was District Attorney, John Best who in his 17 years has prosecuted felony cases. “Alcohol is often at the root as a substance abuse.” “We are just blessed to have Eric Sánchez and his staff at ADACCV to give hope to people in our community who are suffering from alcoholism, to give hope to people who are suffering from substance abuse.”
And ADACCV CEO, Eric Sánchez concluded with his remarks. “ADACCV’s vision is to save lives and create healthy communities.” “And when we have our partners and community here with us, you are all saving lives together.” “Thank you for helping us make that happen because we can’t make it alone.” Sánchez did not take lightly the partners and the community’s contributions which to a large degree have allowed ADACCV to succeed in its mission to save “folks who are desperate for help.”
Help and hope is on the way as one major step in ADACCV’s favor is the completion of the Journey Recovery Center that will serve as a detox program. The JRC is expected to be open later this summer.