In the Blink of an Eye: Stories of Lives Lost to Drugs and Alcohol (Video)
Orland Fire Battalion Chief Mike Schofield led a seminar last week showing teens and parents the dangers of risky behavior, including texting or drinking while driving and drug use.
Mike Schofield wanted to raise awareness about rising drug use trends, especially heroin overdoses.
Over time the Orland Fire battalion chief developed the Blink of An Eye seminar, combining the playing of an actual 911 call for a heroin overdose with true stories told from the people who lost a friend or loved one to drug or alcohol-releated circumstances.
Tami O'Brien's son Jason Casper is serving a 12-year prison sentence for the death of two teens caused by his intoxicated driving.
Brian Kirk found his son dead of a heroin overdose in his home.
Lisa, a Lockport Township High School graduate saw several peers succumb to drugs, some before they could graduate high school.
Schofield held a Blink of an Eye seminar with O'Brien, Kirk and Lisa on July 18, for a crowd of about 80 students, parents and concerned residents. Watch the above video for a recap of the seminar.
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Carol
10:49 am on Thursday, July 26, 2012
I am so sorry for everyone's loss, I can't imagine the pain these families went through. My son starts Sandburg this year, part of me is excited and part of me is scared. I talk to my kids all the time and show them examples of lives lost because of drugs and alcohol. I hope you bring this to the schoosl. All the H.S kids need to see this message. This was a very powerful.
Kathie
9:19 am on Friday, July 27, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones. Truly, in a blink of an eye-- tragedy can strike. All of the above situations: drinking, texting while driving or drugs, it only takes once. I wish this "talk" would travel into the schools- during school. Parents keep talking to your children, they hear you. Talk about peer pressure, parent pressure, being successful vs popularity....and about making mistakes and asking for help. Too many lives cut short-- because of a bad choice and kids are afraid to reach out for help.