Local organization needs help educating Haitian and Hispanic communities on opioids

Opioid Awareness

MARYLAND – Monday marks the last day of Wicomico Goes Purple, which addresses opioid addiction.

However, a local organization says they’ll need help beyond September.

Rebirth Community Resource & Support Center is a non-profit in Salisbury that serves the Spanish and Haitian immigrant communities by improving their way of life.

Executive Director Habacuc Petion says many residents don’t speak English, so some aren’t able to fully be educated on the dangers of leaving pills out or the severity of fentanyl. He says this community is often forgotten when it comes to outreach concerning opioid addiction.

“So, we know a lot of parents or elderly, that do use the drugs, but they don’t know much about it, and which they can just leave anywhere. And then you have the youth who actually probably have some knowledge about it can abuse those drugs.”

Petion says getting the word out is important, but they need funding and professional resources to help fight the crisis. If you wish to help them in any way, please visit their website.