Anti-drug initiative
Program launched on Juneteenth to support community
WestCare Wisconsin launches a new campaign on Juneteenth Day aiming to curb youth drug use.
In return for putting down the drugs, young people are getting hugs.
Members of WestCare Wisconsin launched a new campaign Monday, Hugs No Drugs, aiming to curb youth drug usage and targeting opioids and a cough syrup concoction called “lean.”
“(They’re) very deadly drug(s) to use,” said Devin Davis of Milwaukee, president of the WestCare Wisconsin Youth Student Action Council. “Even a small dose of it could take someone on a trip they might not come back from.”
The organization timed the launch of the campaign to Juneteenth Day on Monday. Juneteenth Day commemorates the emancipation of all enslaved people of African descent. Monday’s festivities in Milwaukee were among many nationwide.
Simon Sattles, 17, of Milwaukee, said one goal of the campaign is to help people like him give back to the community.
“If you put the drugs down, we give you a hug,” Sattles said.
Devlyn Crawford, a community organizer for WestCare, explained that the education portion of Hugs No Drugs is vital.
“A lot of people in our community may not know these things can hurt them,” Crawford said. “Influence is heavy and it comes from various matters. Some people just don’t know and sometimes it’s too late.”
Both Crawford and Davis said there was a positive response from those stopping at their booth to hear more and receive a hug.
Davis, 18, describes “not being proud of” his background. He said his involvement in the youth council has been a life-changing experience.
“There are so many youths throwing away their lives due to drugs,” Davis said, adding that he and others are trying to help young people stay in school and out of jail.
Crawford said it’s important that youths know they are not alone when confronting such challenges.
“Some people might feel like there’s no (light) at the end of the tunnel,” Crawford said. “And if they can talk to someone who had encountered trauma and drugs, and they see someone who has overcome those types of things, it can give them the hope that they can overcome.”