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SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its monthly meeting on May 27, 2025 at the ADAPT Office.  Dr. Leslie Faulkner, Community Outreach Specialist with the Drug Enforcement Agency was the guest speaker.

Dr. Faulkner provided updates and insights on several substance use concerns impacting the community.  She emphasized the ongoing dangers of substance misuse, particularly fentanyl and methamphetamine, which continue to impact rural areas. Despite a slight decrease in the number of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, the risk to individuals remains high. Dr. Faulkner also warned of the emerging threat of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer now found in illicit drugs. She highlighted the importance of education, accountability in medication sourcing, and reducing stigma surrounding addiction. Dr. Faulkner concluded by encouraging community members to continue educating others, emphasizing that their efforts are critical in the collective fight against substance misuse.

Attendees of the May meeting were:  In person: Joshua Blossom, Cheryl Bruton, Wendy Castillo, Cayla Colwell, Dr. Leslie Faulkner, Jason Fontenelle, Rusty Fornea, Rhonda Gunnell, Leslie Holmes, Gloria Kates, Kara Kennedy, Regina Meyerchick, Tammy Montgomery, Joey Peterson, Jana Pounds, Katie Richard, Imari Ruffin, Angela Shuckhart, Shawn Singletary, Becky Stogner, Ruben Watts; Via Zoom: Katasha August, Nanette Bester, Kimberly Butcher, Demetra Dantzler, Glory Davis, Liz Garland, Martha Hennegan, April Higgins, Rosa Locascio, Sophia Robinson, Sara St. Pierre, Caroline Theriot, Mecole Thompson.

The next scheduled meeting for WPCHS will be on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at the ADAPT office, 216 Memphis Street, Bogalusa. Guest speaker will be Sonnet Ireland, Director of Washington Parish Library System. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, contact Rusty Fornea at 985-735-0160.