Sage’s Army, Inc. Newsletter Page

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Sage’s Army, Inc., P.O. Box 156, Westmoreland City, PA 15692 Phone: (724) 863-LIFE (5433). Access to this Newsletter can be found at our Website: www.sagesarmy.com, Email: admin@sagesarmy.com

Members, This Newsletter brings together the people who

are fighting to bring change (through Education

and Awareness) to the growing trend of Addiction.

We like to keep you abreast of the ongoing events

of Sage’s Army and any news worthy updates as

we get them in from the county, state, and

country. We would like to thank you for joining

this continuously growing movement and

appreciate you supporting Sage’s Army and our

efforts. Sincerely,

The Sage’s Army Team

Team Meetings

Sage’s Army Team Meetings are attended by a

group of dedicated volunteer individuals, along

with the Officers and Directors, who help map out

our present and future events. We would like to

hear from any of you about ideas that you may

have and want to contribute or, if you would like

to attend the Team meeting in person, just

contact one of our staff or e-mail

admin@sagesarmy.com.

SAGE’S ARMY IS ABOUT AWARENESS.

DRUGS DO NOT DISCRIMINATE.

ERASE THE STIGMA.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Message to our Members 1

Team Meetings 1

Events We Attended 2

Upcoming Events 3

Sage’s Army Successes 3

Newsworthy Tidbits 3

Questions and Answers 5

Article of the Quarter 6

Resource Phone Numbers 7

Sage’s Army Headquarters News 7

Business Resources 8

Sage’s Army, Inc. Newsletter 4th Quarter 2016

Sage’s Army, Inc. Newsletter Page 2

Events We Attended

Oct 1 – Home Depot Safety/Hero Event…Sage’s Army booth, GREAT turn out.

Oct 6 – Westmoreland Co. Juvenile Probation Dept. Family Fun Fest at Twin

Lakes Park. A big event with lots of activities.

Oct 8 – Father’s Heart Ministries Freedom 5K run/walk…Sage’s Army T-shirts

donated.

Oct 9 – North Irwin for the Touch a Truck Event. Rain or shine…Sage’s Army booth was

there.

Oct 14 – Carmen to Harrisburg for Pa House Resolution 590 hearing.

Oct 18 – Sage’s Army speaks at West Hempfield school.

Oct 18 – Sage’s Army booth at the Westmoreland Co. courthouse square for 20th

annual Celebration of Unity.

Oct 19 – Narcan training at the Sage’s Army headquarters. Filled to capacity!

Oct 19 – Carmen and Joelle in Harrisburg for Governors Pa. Advisory council on

Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

Oct 19 – To Seton Hill University speaking to students and planning awareness

event.

Oct 21 – Sage’s Army to Wendover Middle School for meeting with students.

Oct 22 – To Indian Lake Halloween Trail Meeting and Greeting. All the kids out for a

night of fun!

Oct 27 – To West Mifflin High School and Middle School for speaking engagements.

Oct 27 – Seton Hill BUMP Event. See Sage’s Army Successes.

Oct 29 – Irwin parade and Headquarters on for Trick or Treaters.

Nov 2 – Carmen to Harrisburg with Governor signing of several Opioid Bills.

Nov 3 – To WQED for Heroin Documentary, “Hope after Heroin, The Epidemic in

Our Backyard. Please go to www.wqed.org/heroin#watch-the-documentary. A

MUST WATCH.

Nov 7 – Sage’s Army booth set up at Monessen High School, addressing the

OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC.

Nov 13 – Carmen speaking in Butler with Philip Little from the Attorney General

Outreach Program.

Nov 17 – To Pleasant Hills Middle School for the Heroin Awareness presentation.

Nov 30 – Narcan training at Sage’s Army Headquarters, Instructor - Sarah.

Dec 13 – Christmas Open House at Sage’s Army Headquarters.

Quotes of the

QUARTER

“Addiction is a disease and must be treated like we

treat other diseases.”

~David Sheff, Author of Clean: Overcoming Addiction and ending Americas Greatest Tragedy

“Nobody can go back and start a

new beginning, but anyone can start

today and make a new ending.”

~Maria Robinson

Sage’s Army, Inc. Newsletter Page 3

Upcoming Events (For the most current listing of Upcoming Events, please check out our Facebook page

OR visit our website (www.sagesarmy.com))

Jan – Speaking in Armstrong Co. to the Armstrong SADD group.

Mar 4/5 – Pittsburgh Fire and Rescue EMS Expo at the Monroeville Convention Center.

Mar 26 – Speaking to the Hermine#2 School (am).

Mar 26 – Speaking at Arona UMC (pm).

Mar 29 – Speaking at the St. Bernadette School.

Apr 22-23 – Westmoreland Co. Home Show at the Westmoreland Co. Fairgrounds.

Jun – Sage’s Army Annual Golf Outing at Glengarry Golf Course.

Sage’s Army Successes NARCAN TRAINING at Sage’s Army Headquarters – Narcan training classes held every other month during

the past year have been filled to capacity. We have more classes scheduled at the headquarters for the

coming year…watch our website! Be sure to call to register.

THE BIG BUMP EVENT at Seton Hill College – The event was arranged by

the students to help continue Sage’s Army Awareness. Seton Hill

students decided to think “Outside the Box” and get involved after

seeing so many of their friends and family suffer because of the drugs.

We were glad to help them do this by putting “Boots on the Ground”. 473 students lined

the road to the college with their best bump out and wearing Sage’s Army T-shirts. It took

seven minutes! Quoting one senior, “We didn’t break the record, we smashed!” Carmen

was overwhelmed by the support. Guinness Book of World Records here we come!

Carmen’s Commitment – Sitting on the Pennsylvania Advisory Council on Drugs and Alcohol Abuse,

Carmen’s tireless work is endless. These efforts are starting to be seen throughout the state.

The THANKFULNESS of PARENTS – One Mother wrote, “Thank you Sage’s Army for coming to my son’s

school. He was very moved by your presentation. He said it was sad and so eye opening.”. This is a

mother trying to talk to her son about the dangers of drugs and wanted to thank us for the impact we are

making. This only makes our mission more attainable…with YOUR words of encouragement! We are

ALWAYS there for YOU!

Newsworthy Tidbits As of Nov 1st, Westmoreland County Coroner’s office says we have already surpassed last year’s record

(126) of fatal deaths.

EVERY WEEK…The Opioid Epidemic is killing 1,000 Americans a week!

Sage’s Army, Inc. Newsletter Page 4

IT’S A FACT. Most drug dealers are selling drugs to support their own habit.

WHO WORKS FOR WHO? Ask yourself, why the Pain Pill Industry gives 5.15 Million to Illinois politicians

since 2006.

ANOTHER THOUGHT TO PONDER. Ask yourself, why state politicians in Tennessee received more than 1.6

million in campaign $ over the past decade from opioid lobbyists.

OVER CROWDED. Our Westmoreland Co. jails are

perilously close to the limit for cots for women…most

arrested on drug charges.

THIS IS CRAZY! Extra money now allotted to the

coroner’s office for body bags (along with additional

autopsies) because of OD deaths.

THEY TRICKED YOU AGAIN! Teens who misuse

stimulants are often using other people’s medications.

3,383. This is the number of fatal drug overdoses in Pennsylvania in 2015.

REFRIGERATED TRUCKS…being rented by medical examiner in Connecticut

to store bodies attributed to increase in OD deaths.

HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA. Drug OD deaths is nearly TEN TIMES the

National average.

THANK YOU! Gov. Tom Wolf announced that our State Dept. of Health has

provided 128 public schools in Pennsylvania with FREE narcan.

SMALL COMFORT TO KNOW…organ donations have risen fourfold in

Philadelphia as donations come from families who have lost their loved

ones to drugs.

QUOTE. “Substance abuse must be thought of as a public health problem

that needs more and more work before it destroys every aspect of our

society.” By Dr. Antoine Douaihy, Addiction Medicine Expert, Western

Psychiatric Inst. And Clinic of UPMC.

FINALLY! Pennsylvania lawmakers signed 5 bills aimed at fighting

addiction to potent painkillers.

Let’s put our money to

better use It costs taxpayers $3000 per death to cover the

costs of investigation, autopsy, testing, transportation and clerical work for each OD

death in our county.

Sage’s Army is looking for volunteers to lend their special talents

and ideas, to form a committee, or ask if we have something that

already suits your talent(s). We would LOVE to have YOU!

Also, if you would like to schedule time at the Headquarters

anytime for counsel or hosting a special event, please contact us.

Sage’s Army, Inc. Newsletter Page 5

QUESTIONS and Answers

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? Let us help you find the answer.

1. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AN ADDICTION?

Addiction usually follows a pattern. First you try a substance or activity to find out what it’s like. Then you keep using the substance or doing the activity to get a rush or high or to avoid facing a problem you may be having. You continue the addictive behavior and deny any of the

negative effects it may be having on your health, your job, or relationships. Finally, you lose control completely, even after realizing the negative effects. You cannot stop

the behavior, despite attempts to cut down or abstain. (Value Behavioral Health of Pa) 2. WHO CAN DEVELOP ADDICTIONS?

Anyone can...young, old, male, female, rich, poor, your son, your daughter, your mother, your father, your neighbor, your friend, and on and on. Some people believe that addictive behavior can

be associated with the family environment, genetics, personality, failures, and other influences such as boredom, stress, peer pressure, conflict and poor self-esteem. (Value Behavioral Health of Pa)

3. WHAT ARE THE HOTTEST STUDY AIDS BEING USED BY STUDENTS?

Unfortunately, troubling to experts is ADHD (Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder) medications. These are being misused by students in search of increased focus and

stamina. These pills can lead to addiction, breakdowns and even suicide. (Article for NBC News) 4. WHAT CAUSES PEOPLE TO RELAPSE AFTER RECOVER?

The pleasure associated with an addictive drug or behavior subsides and yet the memory of the

desired effect and the need to recreate the wanting persists. It is as though the normal machinery of motivation is no longer functioning. These memories create an intense craving. Cravings

contribute not only to addiction but to relapse after a ‘hard won’ sobriety. A person addicted to heroin may be in danger of relapse when he sees a hypodermic needle, while another person might start to drink again after seeing a bottle of whiskey, even after years of abstinence.

Recovery is possible. It is not enough to just say NO. Instead you can protect and heal yourself from addition by saying YES to other things. Cultivate diverse interests that provide meaning in

your life. Acknowledge that life is not always supposed to be pleasurable. (From HelpGuide.org) 5. WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS TO LOOK FOR DRUG ABUSE WITH MY TEENAGER?

Changes in appearance, a loss of interest in activities, memory loss, always asking for money,

missing belongings, secretive, anti-social, different friends and activities, withdrawing from family, irritable, moody, unexplained medical concerns, paranoia, avoiding calls, negative attitude. If you see a few of these signs, it may be time to approach them to encourage them to seek treatment.

(Gloria Horsely, Psychotherapist, Grief Expert)

ASK the Question and we will find the answer. Submit questions to newsletter@ sagesarmy.com or by snail mail to Sage’s Army Inc. , PO Box 156, Westmoreland City,

Pa. 15692

Sage’s Army, Inc. Newsletter Page 6

Wolf cites 'remarkable' bipartisan effort to pass bills aimed at heroin, painkiller addiction By David Wenner/PennLive

Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday signed a package of bills he and others said mark a major step forward in the state's response to the escalating drug addiction epidemic that killed about 3,500 Pennsylvanians last

year.

The bills are intended to cut into the supply and overprescribing of

prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin, which are highly addictive and often lead to addiction to heroin.

One of the bills will require doctors to check the state's prescription

drug data base each time they prescribe an opioid painkiller to a patient. Previously, doctors were only required to check before the first prescription, but not again unless the doctor suspected a problem. A goal of the database is to make it impossible for patients to receive prescriptions

from multiple doctors.

Another bill would bar emergency rooms from prescribing more than a 7-day supply of painkillers, and another

would prevent doctors from prescribing more than 7 days' worth of painkillers to a minor.

Two other bills in the package would require medical school curriculums to include lessons on safe prescribing of

opioids, and increase the number of locations where people can drop off unused prescription drugs.

They were only the latest in the steps the state has taken to address the crisis of opioid addiction, which typically

begins with addiction to a prescription painkiller and leads to addiction to heroin, which is cheaper and easier to get.

Other legislative successes won't mean anything if the opioid crisis goes unaddressed, he told lawmakers.

The 2016-2017 state budget includes $15 million toward new drug treatment centers around the state that are

expected to treat about 11,000 people during the first year. The state's $15 million expenditure allowed it to qualify for another $5.4 million in federal funds toward the centers.

The bills result from an agreement between Wolf, a Democrat, and House and Senate Republicans to come up

with solutions to the crisis this fall.

Backed by dozens of lawmakers from both parties, Wolf said the opioid-related bills are a "remarkable"

achievement, and offer proof that government can work when both parties work together on problems that affect everyone.

Still, Wolf said more needs to be done in response to the opioid crisis. He said the state must provide more funding

toward treatment for addicts, require insurers to cover new abuse resistant painkillers, and give doctors "additional decision making tools" to enable them to collaborate with their patients to control pain in a way that doesn't come with such a high risk of addiction.

"We have a lot of work to do. This is a start," Wolf said.

“YOU MAY HAVE TO FIGHT A BATTLE MORE

THAN ONCE TO WIN IT” ~MARGARET THATCHER

Article of the Quarter

Sage’s Army Merchandise Spread your message with shirts, hats, hoodies, decals, and more. Order on our website or

email us at www.sagesarmy.com.

Sage’s Army, Inc. Newsletter Page 7

Sage’s Army MEMORIAL Wall

Sage’s Army Headquarters has dedicated a w all to loved ones w ho

w ere lost to this epidemic.

If you w ould like to see Y OUR loved one

memorialized on this w all, please bring a

framed 4 X 6 photo (color or Black and

w hite) to the Sage’s Army Headquarters

(216 Fourth St, Irw in, Pa 15642) during OPEN HOURS or mail to

Sage’s Army, P.O. Box 156, Westmoreland City, PA 15692.

Sage’s Army Headquarters News…

Sage’s Army SCHOOL PROGRAM is in FULL swing! If you would like us to invite us

to YOUR school and give our presentation, let us know. We have a school form

under Request a Presentation on our website at sagesarmy.com.

For a listing of In/Out Patient Treatment Facilities for Insured and Non Insured,

please see Addiction Resources at

Sagesarmy.com

SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE. Due to an

ACCELERATED amount of calls to Carmen’s personnel cell phone, we now have a phone line that is handled by Carmen and several volunteers to answer YOUR calls.

Please call (724) 863-LIFE (5433)

RESOURCE PHONE NUMBERS Westmoreland County Drug and Alcohol Commission – 800 220-1810 ext. 2 Allegheny County Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services – 412 350-3328 Butler County MH/MR Drug and Alcohol – 800 292-3866 Cambria County MH/MR Drug and Alcohol – 814 536-5388 Clarion/Armstrong/Indiana Drug and Alcohol – 724 354-2746 Fayette County Drug and Alcohol - 724 354-2746 Somerset County Drug and Alcohol – 800 452-0218 Washington D&A Commission – 724 223-1181 Westmoreland CRISIS Hotline – 800 836-6010 Alcoholics Anonymous – 866 851-8459 Narcotics Anonymous – 800 992-0401 Substance Abuse Hotline – 844 897-8927

For a listing of In/Out Patient Treatment

Facilities for Insured and Non Insured, please use Addiction Resources at

Sagesarmy.com

Sage’s Army, Inc. Newsletter Page 8

REMINDER… PRO-A, Our

Lives Matter Quilt. Please Continue to send in your quilt

section for your loved one. Each panel will be sewn into a

large quilt by PRO-A. Check our website for more information (www.sagesarmy.com).

Sage’s Army, Inc. is a 501© (3) nonprofit

organization. All donations are fully tax-

deductible. To donate to Sage’s Army,

please visit us on the web at sagesarmy.com.

Sage’s Army ALWAYS Welcomes Donations! Items we always can use are: Printer ink (940 HP), Printer Paper, Stamps, Bottled

Water, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Coffee or Dunkin Doughnuts gift cards. ANY MONETARY CONTRIBUTION WOULD ALSO BE APPRECIATED, NO MATTER HOW SMALL.

SPECIAL THANKS SPOTLIGHT on the tireless work and dedication of all our local, county and state officials, and department heads who CARE and SUPPORT Sage’s Army and our fight to raise Awareness, Compassion, and

work at erasing the STIGMA of drugs.

IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IT, YOU MUST. The video recently produced by Carmen and associates as a DRUG AWARENESS video called, “My List of Nevers”. If you would like to share in Nevers, please contact us…and THANKS to everyone who has participated to date. See the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XblmE6Jh9Vs.