During a recent government meeting, Heidi Tomasi, the Olathe School District's Fentanyl and Substance Use Education Specialist, shared a deeply personal account of her journey as a parent of a fentanyl addict and overdose survivor. Tomasi expressed her pride in the efforts of Johnson County and the city of Olathe to combat the stigma surrounding substance use disorders through education and prevention initiatives. She highlighted her son's remarkable achievement of 386 days in recovery, emphasizing the potential for recovery among addicts.
The meeting also included a public comment segment, allowing community members to voice their opinions on various topics. Attendees were reminded to keep their remarks respectful and within a two-minute time limit. The meeting's agenda also noted the delegation of authority to Jay Leipzig, the director of planning, housing, and community development, to fulfill responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of community support in addressing substance use issues and the ongoing commitment to fostering a respectful dialogue among residents.