Saving Boone County: Fighting For Lives In A Place Ravaged By Opioids | NBC Nightly News

Summary

In Boone County, West Virginia, Judge Will Thompson grapples with the opioid crisis, a scourge that has ravaged the community, affecting multiple generations. The county, once thriving with coal mining and timber jobs, now faces high unemployment and a surge in drug addiction. Thompson's drug court offers a lifeline to those battling addiction, providing a path to recovery through counseling, community service, and random drug tests. The program has seen success stories, like Mallory, who went from addiction to becoming a recovery coach, and John, who aspires to be an architect. Despite setbacks, the community remains determined to rebuild, one person at a time.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚖️ Judge Will Thompson is a circuit court judge in West Virginia dealing with the opioid crisis, which he describes as the worst he's ever seen.
• 🏞️ Boone County, located in the Appalachian valleys, has been deeply affected by the loss of jobs in coal mining and timber cutting, leading to widespread drug addiction.
• 💊 The opioid crisis has led to an intergenerational impact, with children being placed with great grandparents due to addiction in the immediate family.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The community struggles with various forms of drug addiction, including opiates, methamphetamine, and heroin, affecting multiple generations.
• 🏠 Property thefts and other crimes have increased as people turn to illegal activities to support their drug habits.
• 👮‍♂️ Chad Barker, the chief deputy sheriff, highlights the extent of property thefts and child sex trafficking related to drug addiction.
• 🏥 Judge Thompson's drug court offers an alternative to jail for those willing to get clean, requiring regular court appearances, counseling, drug tests, and community service.
• 👨‍🔧 John Russell, a participant in the drug court, is given a chance to turn his life around through community service and support from the court.
• 👩‍💼 Carrie Dolan, a former drug addict, is now a manager at a local restaurant and has hired other former addicts, demonstrating the potential for rehabilitation and reintegration.
• 🎓 Mallory Sutphin's story is a significant turnaround, as she graduates from drug court and now works as a recovery coach, aiming to regain custody of her son.
• 🤝 The Boone County Opioid Network is a grassroots community effort to find solutions to the opioid crisis, involving community leaders and former addicts.

Q & A

What is the main issue being addressed in Boone County, West Virginia?

The main issue being addressed is the opioid crisis, which has had a devastating impact on the community, affecting multiple generations and leading to increased crime and social issues.

Who is Judge Will Thompson and what is his role in addressing the opioid crisis?

Judge Will Thompson is a circuit court judge for Boone and Lincoln counties in West Virginia. He is actively involved in addressing the opioid crisis by overseeing a drug court, which aims to help individuals overcome addiction and avoid jail time by requiring them to participate in counseling, random drug tests, and community service.

What are some of the social consequences of the opioid crisis mentioned in the script?

The social consequences include increased property thefts, child neglect, loss of family connections, and even child sex trafficking, where parents use their children to trade for drugs.

How does the drug court work under Judge Thompson's supervision?

The drug court requires participants to attend weekly court appearances, receive counseling, submit to random drug tests, and perform community service. Judge Thompson and his team track the progress of each participant, offering support and holding them accountable for their recovery.

What is the estimated percentage of the population actively using drugs in Boone County according to the script?

The script estimates that more than 10 percent but less than 20 percent of the population is actively using drugs.

What personal impact does the opioid crisis have on Judge Thompson?

The crisis impacts Judge Thompson on a personal level, as he has to deal with the consequences of addiction in his courtroom daily, including having to place children with relatives due to parental addiction and seeing the multi-generational impact of the crisis.

How does the script depict the community's response to the opioid crisis?

The script shows the community's response through grassroots efforts, such as the Boone County Opioid Network, where community leaders are trying to find solutions to the crisis. It also highlights the work of Judge Thompson's drug court and the personal stories of individuals like Mallory, who have turned their lives around with the help of the court.

What is the role of the Boone County Opioid Network in combating the crisis?

The Boone County Opioid Network is a group of community leaders, including Judge Thompson and individuals like Rachel Waters, who are working together to find solutions to the opioid crisis. They aim to raise awareness and provide support to those affected by addiction.

What is the significance of Mallory's story in the context of the opioid crisis?

Mallory's story is significant as it represents a major turnaround. She went from being a heroin addict to becoming a recovery coach, helping others overcome addiction. Her journey illustrates the potential for recovery and the importance of support systems like the drug court.

How does the script suggest the community can overcome the opioid crisis?

The script suggests that overcoming the opioid crisis requires a community-wide effort, with individuals, support systems like the drug court, and community organizations working together to provide help and resources to those affected by addiction.