Amy Winehouse, a British soul singer was found dead on Saturday July 23^rd in her apartment in London, she was 27.  While the cause was not immediately known, based on her history of alcohol and drug abuse it is widely suspected that the cause is related to drug abuse.

Amy Winehouse became an acclaimed young singer selling millions of albums (Frank & Back to Black), while winning five Grammy Awards. Unfortunately, as her fame increased so did her abuse of alcohol and other drugs, which in short order overshadowed her music.

Ms. Winehouse is one of several famous 27 year old singers to die as a result of drug addiction/overdose. Other members of this notable list include, Jimmy Hendrix, Janice Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain.  Singer Josh Groban tweeted “Drugs took her gift, her soul, her light, long before they took her life. RIP Amy.”

Once again we see how the scourge of alcohol and drug abuse can ruin a young life full of potential. The question now is, how can this tragic loss help to save other young people from going down this terrible path?

Cheri L. Walter
Chief Executive Officer

Forecasts for this week show that it’s going to be a hot one! The temperatures are predicted to be in the 90s with a heat index in excess of 100 degrees several days this week. Much of Ohio will be under a Heat Advisory.  This means that you should take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.  Reschedule strenuous activities for the early morning or late evening.  While you’re out, wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing and drink plenty of water. Keep windows shut and blinds drawn during the heat of the day. Individuals receiving antipsychotic medications are at particular risk of heat stroke during periods of extreme heat. It is important to take extra precautions during these hot summer days.

President Barack Obama’s drug czar Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) was in Portsmouth, Ohio on Sunday, July 10, 2011 to hold a town-hall style meeting at Portsmouth’s Second Chance Center (A residential treatment center for men). The meeting was to discuss the opiate epidemic underway in Southern Ohio, and what is being done to address it at the federal level.  Director Kerlikowske was part of a panel, which included: Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, United States Senator Rob Portman, ODADAS Director Orman Hall, State Representative Dr. Terry Johnson and Scioto County’s Commissioner of Health Dr. Aaron Adams.  The panel discussed their involvement in the opiate epidemic, and efforts on the forefront geared toward combating the issue, before fielding questions and comments from Scioto County residents.

Director Kerlikowske continued his stay in Ohio Monday July 11^th, and announced the Obama Administration’s 2011 National Drug Control Strategy, as well as the plan for addressing the national prescription drug abuse epidemic.   To read the full National Drug Control Strategy, click here.

It is revealing that Director Kerlikowske chose Ohio to release the ONDCP National Drug Control Strategy, as Ohio is at the epicenter of the opiate drug epidemic.

Have a great week!

Cheri L. Walter
Chief Executive Officer