Some would say Laguna Niguel residents Jodi Barber and Christine
Brant are saints but the women aren't after sainthood. Their goal is
to create awareness about a spreading problem—prescription drug
overdoses. In Orange County, one of the wealthiest counties in the
country, young people between the ages of 15 and 25 are not only
becoming addicted to prescription drugs, they are overdosing on them
faster than a parent can say Oxycontin or Opana. In an effort to
educate teenagers and parents, the women have worked tirelessly for
almost one year to create Overtaken, the powerful 28-minute
documentary made for high schools across the country about the
prescription drug problem. The short film consists of young adults
sharing their heartfelt stories about their own drug problems, as
well as candid interviews with emergency room doctors, and rehab
counselors.
The second showing was a huge success, just as the first was, as
more than 300 people—young and old—came out to see the film. Many
left in tears and were clearly moved by what they saw. "It was one
of the most powerful films I have seen and it really made me think
about what's going on in our communities," said Sherri, a teen as
she exited the film. Her friend, Meredith, added, "I've had friends
hooked on prescription drugs and it's frightening and heartbreaking
to see them go down that road. I think this film should be shown in
every school across the country." According to Barber, who lost her
own son, Jarrod, 19, to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs
in 2010, "Overdosing is occurring in record numbers. There have been
more than 95 deaths in those ranging in age from 15 to 25 in the
last three years in South Orange County. It is an epidemic right
now.”
Both women set out seven months ago to begin making the documentary
when Brant contacted Barber after seeing one of Barber's posters
around town; the posters display photos of local teens who have died
of prescription drug overdoses. Shop owners around the city have
them posted to their windows, also hoping to send Barber's message
to the masses. "Christine offered to help in any way possible,"
Barber said. "We teamed up and brainstormed ideas on how to spread
the message. We thought a documentary would be the best way to
educate the kids.” Both women say that first and foremost, they want
the film to be seen in local schools, but hope Overtaken will
eventually spread to schools across the country. “It is not just
about saying 'no' to drugs. We need to educate teenagers about what
is really out there,” Brant said.
We at Embrace Recovery support Jodi and Christine in their efforts
to tell Jarrod's story and save lives. Remember "One pill can kill."
For more information check out “Overtaken” on Facebook
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