BY NANCY GAGNETMIRROR REPORTER

Soft, soothing music, thesound of trickling water, dimlighting and natural woodfeatures create a calm, tran-quil atmosphere at SerenityHealth and Wellness Centerin Maumee.

Aimed with a focus tomake the community a betterplace, owner and founder Dr.Deitra Hickey spends hertime helping others – fromthe chronically ill to thosewho are healthy but seekingoptimal health – through theservices provided at the spa.

“I grew up with two para-lyzed parents and saw first-hand chronic pain and suf-fering. I am also a counselorand a life coach and I wantedto bring my experiences, mypassions and my love forpeople together under oneroof,” she said.

With a wide range of well-ness modalities designed toimprove overall physical,mental and emotionalhealth, the spa has become aholistic leader in the area.Since its opening in 2010,Serenity has expanded twice;and last year, Deitra openeda second location inPerrysburg. To help with theexpanding business, her hus-band John left his engineer-ing job last year to join herfull time in running the day-to-day operations.

“It’s been wonderful towork with him,” she said.“Serenity simply got too bigand complex for me to con-tinue trying to manage theownership facets of the busi-ness on my own. We do nothave children and Serenity is‘our baby’ that we love verymuch. We are both passion-ate about our mission.”

Deitra attributes much ofthe spa’s success to maintain-ing a unique atmosphere andalways providing the bestservice to all who walkthrough the door. She alsocredits her staff – which hasgrown from seven the firstyear to over 45 today – withproviding the kind of careand service that make clientsfeel comfortable, renewedand motivated to return.

“We have stayed inten-tional, offered amazing serv-ices at affordable prices andtreated every client like amember of our family. Theword spread fast and we grewto capacity in a couple ofshort years,” she said.

The stress of modern soci-ety is also a factor in the ris-

ing number of individualssearching for balance andhealing through holistic serv-ices, she said.

“We have had the honorto raise awareness and imple-ment our services to individ-uals, businesses and familiesin our community – theyhave embraced the concept,”she said.

Dave Krueger, of Sylvania,is a former police officer whoexperienced a back injury in1993 and a career-endingtraumatic brain injury whileresponding to a domestic vio-lence call in 2001. Weeklytrips to Serenity for the pastfour years to address chronicpain have made a significantdifference.

Dr. Deitra Hickey, the founder and owner of Serenity Health and Wellness Center inMaumee, opened the business in 2010. Since then, she has overseen two expansionsat the Maumee location and the launch of a second location in Perrysburg.

Licensed massage therapist Sasha Cain works on a client at the spa in Maumee. Thewellness center also offers skin care services, fitness classes, life coaching, nutritioncounseling, specialty classes and workshops. MIRROR PHOTOS BY NANCY GAGNET

Serenity Health And Wellness Center Expands Business In Healing Arts

Serenity Health and Wellness Center offers a wide variety of services, includingacupuncture, therapeutic infrared sauna, foot detoxification treatments and colonhydrotherapy.

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(continued on page 5)

Each year, Susan G.Komen Northwest Ohio rec-ognizes four individuals fromits 24-county service area atthe Race for the Cure eventsin Findlay and Toledo. These“In Celebration of” and “InMemory of” honorees arepeople who have demonstrat-ed courage, inspiration andpositivity during their battleswith breast cancer.

This year’s Toledo Race

will be “In Celebration of”Kim Barber and “In Memoryof” Sharon (Shari) Thees.

The day Kim found outshe had breast cancer was thesame day she found out shewas going to be a grandma forthe first time. Strengthened bythe desire to meet her grand-child, Kim pushed throughevery chemotherapy and radi-ation treatment.

Since then, Kim hasbecome a very active sup-porter of the Toledo Race forthe Cure and has participatedin the race with her familyevery year since 2011. Kim isthe captain for team “Kim’sKru” and she raises moneyfor her team by hosting afundraising competitionamong several Toledo fireengine houses and shifts. Theprize for the largest amountraised is a wonderful, home-cooked meal that Kim pre-pares herself.

Shari lived with metastaticbreast cancer for more than20 years, and she lived her

life to the fullest. Shari wasan advocate for early detec-tion and breast health educa-tion, and was known for just“being there” for others asthey began their breast can-cer journeys.

Shari was an avid sup-porter of the Susan G.Komen Race for the Curefor many years. Even whenShari was too sick to par-ticipate in the race, herfamily always attended inher place to celebrate theirmom.

Shari passed away in 2015.

Her family continues herwork of supporting KomenNorthwest Ohio by gener-ously hosting the annualKomen Northwest OhioSurvivor Breakfast at ThePinnacle in Maumee.

The Toledo honorees andtheir families will be recog-nized on Sunday, September24 before the start of the24th annual Susan G. KomenRace for the Cure in down-town Toledo.

For more information,visit www.komennwohio.org orcall (877) 604-CURE.

Page 2-GGH THE MIRROR July 6, 2017

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Central Michigan University, Toledo Clinic

Partner For Physician Training ProgramThis March, in light of

the closures of establishedprimary care training pro-grams in Northwest Ohio,The Toledo Clinic andCentral Michigan University(CMU) announced a newpartnership that will renewthe region’s connections withfuture physicians.

Beginning this year, aspart of the CMU College ofMedicine’s ComprehensiveCommunity Clerkship

(CCC) Program, medicalstudents will participate in asix-month rotation withestablished primary carephysicians in NorthwestOhio.

The Toledo Clinic felt itwas imperative to establishand accentuate the placementof future family physiciansto meet the needs of the com-munity. Meanwhile, theCMU College of Medicine’scharter calls for it to pro-

mote community-focusedcare.

The Toledo Clinic is anindependent partnership ofover 180 physicians and 70additional medical providerswith a long and successful his-tory in the training of medicalstudents and residents. As“community educators,” TheToledo Clinic allows studentsto see how private practicecan thrive in the era of corpo-rate medicine.

July 6, 2017 THE MIRROR Page 3-GGH

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With summer comesinjuries ranging from rashesand contusions to bonebreaks, as kids and adultsalike head outdoors to bike,climb, kick, run and swim.

“We really need this,” saidMandi Brannon, as shetoured the new WatervilleUrgent Care on its openingday, Monday, May 22.

As administrator for theAnthony Wayne YouthFoundation and board mem-ber for the WatervilleChamber of Commerce,Brannon said she sees onlypositive in the first urgentcare facility to open in theAnthony Wayne area.

“With Blue CreekRecreation Area up the road,I can see you getting parentsbringing kids in here forsports injuries,” Brannontold Dr. Walid Mahmoud,president of Greater ToledoUrgent Cares.

Sports physicals andinjuries are among the manyreasons for a visit, Mahmoudsaid. With radiology anddurable medical equipmenton-site, a patient can get anx-ray and a splint, cast or

boot as needed – all withoutleaving the facility.

Located just off DutchRoad behind McDonald’s,Waterville Urgent Care isset up to maximize efficien-cy. Ten treatment roomssurround a staff area thatallows a full view of thefacility.

“Through-put is impor-

tant. We want to invest morein our patient rooms thanour waiting room,”Mahmoud said. “Wedesigned this like an ER.”

Nurse practitioner BradPayne explained that withinminutes of arrival, patientsare escorted to a room sothat a physician’s assistant ornurse practitioner can begin

the assessment as soon aspossible.

Waterville Urgent Carewill also have a radiologytechnician and manager onstaff at all times, plus thephysician on call or on-sitedepending on need.

“We will have five peopleon-site most days, withadjustments made based on

time,” Mahmoud said. “Wewill evolve depending onwhat the community needs.”

With hours of 9:00 a.m.to 9:00 p.m. every day,Waterville Urgent Care willbe convenient for those whoneed to see a doctor afterwork, during lunch or whenan emergency arises.

Mahmoud expects to see

the type of injuries thatwould normally result in anER visit, such as a minorsports injury or cut requiringstitches, or those needing toquickly address a sudden ill-ness.

Physician’s assistant BrentBernard said he’s also seenpatients with appendicitis,brain bleed and those whowere referred out to special-ists for what ended up beingmore serious cases, such asbladder cancer.

Mahmoud has taughtemergency medicine for 15years and shares feedbackand training sessions withstaff regularly.

Urgent care has becomemore vital as the number ofprimary care physicians hasnot kept up with demand, hesaid. At the same time, a visitto the ER is not always inorder.

“We’re not here to replaceanyone,” Mahmoud said.“We’re trying to bridge thegap between the ER and theprimary care physician.”

The facility is offering$15.00 sports physicalsthroughout the year.

For information, call(419) 517-0146 or visitwww.gtucares.com.

Waterville Urgent Care Opens To Bridge Gap Between ER, Doctor

The Waterville Urgent Care staff includes (from left) Brad Payne, Tiffany Raszka, Brent Bernard, Joe Ocasio, Dr.Walid Mahmoud, Christina Roger, Kathleen Crowley and Jim Morris.

Radiographer Christina Roger stands in the radiologysuite that will allow a quick diagnosis of bone breaksand other issues.

Cutting the ribbon at the Waterville Urgent Care opening are (from left) Waterville Chamber executive directorCorina Pfleghaar, Christina Roger, Tiffany Raszka, Joe Ocasio, Brent Bernard, Dr. Walid Mahmoud, KathleenCrowley, Brenda Mossing, Brad Payne, Mandi Brannon and Jim Morris. MIRROR PHOTOS BY KAREN GERHARDINGER

Page 4-GGH THE MIRROR July 6, 2017

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Award Names St. Luke’s Hospital As A “Guardian Of Excellence”

Press Ganey, the nation’sleader in understanding andimproving the patient experi-ence, has announced itsawards for high performancehospitals in 2016. St. Luke’sHospital received the“Guardian of Excellence”Award for physician engage-ment.

The Press GaneyGuardian of ExcellenceAward is a nationally recog-nized symbol of achievementin health care. Presentedannually, the award honorshospitals that consistently

sustained performance in thetop 5 percent of all PressGaney clients for eachreporting period during thecourse of one year.

“Press Ganey collects datafrom over 26,000 hospitals,so no other independententity has a better handle onwho is excelling,” said Dr.Stephen Bazely, vice presi-dent of medical affairs at St.Luke’s Hospital. “St. Luke’sis committed to being a placewhere physicians can practicetheir best medicine andeveryone – from the CEO on

down – is committed to thisgoal. We believe the patientsees this and appreciates it.”

Physician engagement isan increasing issue in healthcare around the country. Forexample, a study by AthenaHealth noted that nearly halfof physicians reportedburnout in 2015.

“We’re pleased to be rec-ognized for our physicianengagement,” said DanWakeman, president andCEO of St. Luke’s. “Whenthey are engaged, our patientsbenefit the most.”

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Opens Seasonal Hiking Trail The Ottawa National

Wildlife Refuge (NWR) hasopened a new area for publicrecreation.

The Metzger MarshPartnership Trail will beopen seasonally for foot traf-fic through September 30.The trail is a partnershipeffort between the U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service and theOhio Division of Wildlife toimprove outdoor recreationopportunities on publiclands.

The 2-mile hiking trailwill be accessed through theMetzger Marsh WildlifeArea. Outdoor enthusiastsmay now walk the dike fromthe Metzger Marsh WildlifeArea and continue for 2miles into the Ottawa NWR,enjoying wonderful scenicviews of Lake Erie’s shorelineand coastal marshes. Thistrail ends at the mouth ofCrane Creek, overlookingLake Erie and the CraneCreek estuary.

The trail is not a loop andvisitors should be preparedto walk the same route backto the parking lot at MetzgerMarsh. The trail is a gravelsurface over uneven terrainand is open for wildlifeobservation and photogra-phy from sunrise to sunset.Please contact the refuge ifyou have questions regardingauthorized activities on thenew Metzger Marsh Partner-ship Trail.

For more informationabout Ottawa NationalWildlife Refuge events, call(419) 898-0014, visit therefuge’s website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Ottawa or connecton Facebook at www.face-book.com/OttawaNWR.

Ottawa National WildlifeRefuge is located 15 mileseast of Toledo and 16 mileswest of Port Clinton on thenorth side of SR 2.

The mission of the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service is

working with others to con-serve, protect and enhancefish, wildlife, plants andtheir habitats for the contin-uing benefit of theAmerican people. Both aleader and trusted partner infish and wildlife conserva-tion, the Fish and WildlifeService is known for its sci-entific excellence, steward-ship of lands and naturalresources, dedicated profes-sionals and commitment topublic service.

Vision Associates Joins Toledo ClinicVision Associates –

Northwest Ohio’s largestophthalmology practice –has announced that it hasjoined The Toledo Clinic.

“This is an important stepfor Vision Associates,” saidDr. Rodney McCarthy, presi-dent of Vision Associates.“The Toledo Clinic is theregion’s most respectedgroup of independent physi-cians, and our affiliation willallow us to ensure that ourpatients receive quality andcoordinated care no matterwhat their healthcare needsmight be.”

Vision Associates consistsof 12 ophthalmologists andoptometrists offering servicesfrom routine exams to themedical and surgical treat-ment of complicated eyeproblems. Each eye care sub-specialty field is represented:cornea, cataracts, glaucoma,

neuro-ophthalmology, ocu-loplastic and reconstructivesurgery and retinal diseases.

Vision Associates willcontinue to serve patients atits four locations in Toledo,Bowling Green, Defiance andFostoria.

“The Toledo Clinic isthrilled to have VisionAssociates on the team,” saidDr. Ian Elliot, president ofThe Toledo Clinic. “Theircomprehensive team of fel-lowship-trained ophthalmol-ogists and highly skilledoptometrists will allow theclinic to further extend itsability to provide all-inclu-sive care to our patients.”

The Toledo Clinic is anindependent partnership ofover 185 physicians and 70additional healthcare provid-ers and has been providingexpert care in the communityfor over 90 years.

“My injuries caught upwith me and they (theSerenity staff) have beeninstrumental in helping mefeel better – they’ve beenwonderful,” Krueger said.

Weekly massage therapysessions and yoga classeshave helped to reduce theneed for pain medication andincrease his flexibility andoverall health. Krueger alsocredits the care shown byDeitra, her husband Johnand the entire staff with help-ing him heal.

“I can’t say enough aboutDeitra and John – they arewonderful people and theirpassion is helping people andthey want to see people dobetter, be better and live bet-ter,” he said. “That model forsuccess is certainly payingout in business for sure.”

Community involvementis also important as Serenitysupports multiple events andinitiatives. Last year, Deitrafounded Ruthie’s Angels, anonprofit organization namedin honor of her mother,Ruthie Jamra, to support andraise awareness of those indi-viduals who may have a life-altering condition or circum-stance, a medical diagnosis orterminal illness and who couldbenefit from wellness services,yet cannot afford them. Theorganization also benefits chil-

dren from developing coun-tries who are in need of basicwellness services.

Deitra is hopeful that theholistic health and wellnessindustry remains strong andthat business continues toexpand.

“Wellness programs andfacilities are on the rise and welove being part of the growth,”she said. “I am also a motiva-tional speaker and I speak tocompanies and organizationson health and wellness, stressmaintenance and really anytopic requested. I hope to havemore time to grow that area of

my business, as it is a privilegeto get to reach and tweak theperspective of so many peopleat once.”

•Serenity Health and

Wellness Center is located inMaumee at 1685 Lance PointeDr., and in Perrysburg at 900W. South Boundary St., Ste. 4B.

For information, please visitwww.SerenityHealthMaumee.com or www.SerenityPerrysburg.com.

You can also call theMaumee location at (419) 891-2181 or the Perrysburg locationat (419) 891-2182.

(continued from page 1)

Serenity Perrysburg opened in June of 2016 and boasts water features, flat-screenocean scenes, fireplaces, aromatherapy and a retail store. Mainstream services areoffered at the Perrysburg location, such as massage therapy, skin care, body treat-ments, waxing, infrared sauna therapy, foot detoxification treatments and more.

Serenity Health And Wellness Center Offers A Wide Variety Of Services

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Mercy Health Revives Residency ProgramIn Pediatric Care At Children’s Hospital

Mercy Health will onceagain train pediatric medicalresidents in its emergencyrooms, clinics and inpatientunits at Mercy Health-Children’s Hospital. Thismonth, four first-year pedi-atric medical residents willbegin their training withMercy Health physicians andspecialists.

This is the 12th medicalresidency or fellowship pro-gram offered at Mercy Health-Toledo facilities and the onlypediatric residency programwithin the Mercy Health sys-tem. The program is accredit-ed by the AccreditationCouncil for Graduate MedicalEducation (ACGME), anindependent organization thatsets and monitors the profes-sional educational standardsessential in preparing physi-cians to deliver safe, high-quality medical care.

By the year 2019, therewill be a total of 12 pediatric

residents at Mercy Health,four in each residency year.

“We are pleased to onceagain offer pediatric residentsanother place to train inNorthwest Ohio,” said Dr.Randall Schlievert, vice presi-dent of academic affairs forMercy Health-Toledo.“Mercy Health has long rec-ognized the importance ofmedical residency programsto the quality of care – andthe quality of life – in thiscommunity.”

Medical education beganin Northwest Ohio in 1894when Mercy Health-St.Vincent Medical Centeroffered the first medicalinternship program in sur-gery. Today, Mercy Healthoffers residency programs inthe following areas: emer-gency medicine, family medi-cine, family medicine,OB/GYN, orthopedics, podi-atry, general surgery, internalmedicine, hospice and pallia-tive care fellowship, neuroen-

dovascular fellowship, cardi-ology fellowship and transi-tional year.

“We understand theimportance of offering astrong place for medical resi-dents to work and learn,”Schlievert said. “Our physi-cians have a passion forteaching the next generationof caregivers. Their contribu-tions in this area will be feltin this community for yearsto come.”

Dr. Sherri Thomas, pedia-trician, will serve as programdirector for the residencyprogram. Thomas has been apracticing pediatrician in thearea for more than 20 years.She trained at the formerMedical College of Ohio’spediatric residency programand completed a behaviorand development fellowshipat Nationwide Children’sHospital. She has a long-standing clinical presence atMercy Health and WoodCounty Hospital.

(continued from page 1)

Monthly Caregiver Classes To Be Held In Swanton Caregiver classes will be held on the second Wednesday of

every month at 5:30 p.m. at Swanton Health Care andRetirement Center, 214 S. Munson Rd., Swanton. The nextsession is on July 12. To make a reservation, contact ChrisCremean at (419) 825-1145 or ccremean@swantonhealthcare.com.

Hospice Of Northwest Ohio Sets Yoga For GrieversThe community is invited to a special yoga class series

aimed at connecting the mind, body and heart of those whoare grieving. Yoga for Grievers will be held on Thursdays, July13, 20, 27 and August 3 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at thePerrysburg Heights Community Center, 12282 Jefferson St.

Grieving is a holistic journey. Yoga can help participantsfind their center and ease the pain of grief. All people regard-less of fitness level, age and flexibility are encouraged toattend. This class offers yoga for all bodies and abilities.

Conducted by Heather Miller-Klingler, RYT-200 – whospecializes in yoga for everybody – along with a licensedbereavement counselor, participants will work through theenergetic and emotional blocks of grief to find peace.

The classes are free and open to anyone in the community,whether or not they have had a prior relationship withHospice of Northwest Ohio. Attendees should wear comfort-able clothing and bring water. Mats will be provided.

Preregistration is required. For more information or toregister, contact the Hospice Bereavement Department at(419) 661-4001.

To learn more about grief and loss or Hospice ofNorthwest Ohio, visit www.hospicenwo.org.

Hospice Offers Caring With Confidence ProgramMore and more people are caring for their sick, frail or

debilitated loved ones at home. Because many feel ill-preparedto meet the challenges of providing hands-on care, Hospice ofNorthwest Ohio is offering a free, two-hour workshop toteach family caregivers the basics. This much-needed programis being offered twice a month at the Toledo Hospice Center,800 S. Detroit Ave., Toledo, and is open to anyone in thecommunity.

Classes are scheduled on Tuesdays, July 18, August 1,September 19, October 17, November 28 and December 12from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays, July 22, August 19,September 16, October 21, November 4 and December 2 from10:00 a.m. to noon.

Workshops are open to anyone in the community. Toallow active participation, class size is limited to six and pre-registration is required. Those interested should call SandyGarrison at (419) 661-4001 to ask questions or to register.

Free Memory Screening Set In SwantonSwanton Health Care and Retirement Center, 214 S.

Munson Rd., Swanton, will host a free memory screening on

Wednesday, July 19 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. by appointmentonly. To make a reservation, call Chris at (419) 825-1145. Formore information, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org.

Taoist Tai Chi Society Announces ProgrammingThe Taoist Tai Chi Society beginner Tai Chi classes are

scheduled to start in Maumee in August and in Monclova inJuly. The Taoist Tai Chi Society is a nonprofit, volunteerorganization dedicated to improving health and well-being.Classes consist of slow movements that use gentle turns andstretches to improve balance, flexibility, circulation andstrength.

In Maumee, beginner Tai Chi classes will start at TheBallroom Company, 2319 S. Detroit Ave., Maumee, onTuesday, August 1 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Other locations for beginner classes starting in July andAugust are in Bowling Green, Sylvania, Toledo andWalbridge.

For more information, call (419) 537-0131 or visitwww.toledo.ohio.usa.taoist.org.

Hospice Announces Caring For The Caregiver Sessions“Caring for the Caregiver,” a free two-session workshop

designed to help those who are caring for the needs of a friendor family member find personal meaning in the experience, isbeing held:

Thursdays, August 17 and 24 from 10:00 a.m. to noon atHospice of Northwest Ohio Perrysburg Center, 30000 E.River Rd., Perrysburg. Register by Saturday, August 12.

Held in partnership with the Area Office on Aging, thegeneral public is welcome to register for the workshop by con-tacting Julie Tucholski at (419) 931-5534.

12-Step Program Offers Help For Families Of AddictsNar-Anon, a 12-Step Program for Families and Friends of

Addicts, currently has three meetings in the area:Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian

Church of Maumee, 200 E. Broadway St., Maumee; contactCandy D. at (419) 290-3827.

Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at Harvest AllianceChurch, 5132 Harvest Ln., Toledo; contact Linda D. at (419)392-2420.

Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., at Unity of Toledo, 3535Executive Pkwy., Toledo; contact Karen F. at (248) 408-1853.

Mercy Health Center To Host Support Group Let’s Talk It Ovar (LTIO), a support group for women

diagnosed with ovarian cancer and gynecologic cancers, meetsthe second Tuesday of the month at Mercy Health CancerCenter in Perrysburg, 2nd Floor Pontius Room, from noon to2:00 p.m.

There is no fee to attend. Feel free to bring lunch or asnack.

There is a special bond that forms from the intimacy ofsharing. At LTIO, we laugh, sometimes cry, but we alwayslearn something new. We learn a great deal from each otherabout treatments, tests and so much more. For more informa-tion, call Karen at (419) 215-1867 or the Ovarian CancerConnection (OCC) at (419) 866-6622.

Page 6-GGH THE MIRROR July 6, 2017

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8245-A Farnsworth Rd., Waterville • anthonywaynevisionservices.com

Most Insurance Plans Accepted

18 N. Third StreetDowntown Waterville

www.pdnsllc.com

419-878-8880Fax: 419-878-4896

Nurse Staffing and Home Care

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(continued on page 8)

BY KAREN GERHARDINGER

MIRROR REPORTER

With Ohio ranking firstin the nation for heroinoverdose deaths, no areacommunity is immune to theimpact on families.

To better educate thecommunity on the signs ofheroin use and resourcesavailable to combat the prob-lem, Hope United MethodistChurch in Whitehouse andAwake CommunityCoalition teamed up to offera June 20 lunch and learnevent.

“A number of our mem-bers voiced concerns aboutthe opiate epidemic in ourarea, so we contacted Awaketo see how Hope couldbecome involved in combat-ing opiate addiction andabuse,” said Hope’s directorof discipleship, SteveWinters.

“There’s a misperceptionthat this is not happening inthe Anthony Wayne commu-nity,” said Awake executivedirector Amy Barrett. “I cantell you firsthand, it is hap-pening. We have peopleaddicted to opiates and hero-in. We have heroin addicts asyoung as 16 struggling withrecovery.”

She spoke of a 23-year-oldrecovering addict whobecame addicted after thetragic death of her bestfriend. An acquaintance gaveher Percocet to help her dealwith the grief, and she washooked. Soon she was takingup to 100 mg a day ofPercocet, and then turned toheroin when the pills were nolonger available.

“To see her, you wouldnever have picked her out asan addict. She’s beautiful.You have a vision of what adrug addict looks like, andyou think homeless, dirty,unemployed,” Barrett said.

The woman shied awayfrom speaking in public,because she eventually turnedto prostitution to supporther habit, and she fears judg-ment from the community,Barrett said.

The parents of MarinRiggs, a 20-year-old fromPickerington, Ohio, whodied of an overdose in 2012,shared in a video some of thesigns they missed.

“My spoons started to dis-appear,” said Heidi Riggs. “Notjust a few, but all but three.”

Marin’s dad, T.J., noticedthat money was disappearingfrom his wallet and saw anunauthorized charge on hiscard.

It was only when shecrashed into a mailbox andfailed a drug screening testthat they realized the depthof her problem.

“How did we get here?”her tearful mom asked. “It’s astreet drug. A junkie’s drug.”

Marin went throughrehab and was clean 180 daysbefore relapsing.

“We have families in thisarea dealing with the sameissues,” Barrett said.

Jeff Streeter, a licensedsocial worker with ARenewed Mind, said heknows of a 14-year-old whostarted using heroin.

The crisis starts with pre-scription drug abuse. Someyouths will raid family mem-bers’ medicine cabinets, andadults have been known togo into open houses to takemedications.

Once addicted to prescrip-tion opiates, heroin is thenext step.

“When levels build up,they’re trying to find the nexthigh. They don’t want to livewithout it,” said Streeter,who recently returned from aconference at which helearned of a stronger mix –“gray death” – is appearingon the scene. A combinationof painkillers like fentanyl,carfentanil and U-47700,gray death is more deadlythan heroin, and is blamedfor Prince’s death.

Heroin is heartbreakingto the families who loseloved ones. In the communi-ty, heroin use is responsiblefor increased crime, such asbreaking and entering, saidWaterville Township PoliceChief Richard Bingham. Andpeople who are functioningaddicts could be under theinfluence while on the job,operating machinery.

Lucas County Sheriff’sDeputy Don Atkinson, whois also Whitehouse mayor,said one deputy was seriouslyinjured when another driver,passed out after using heroin,crashed head-on into hisvehicle at 80 mph.

“We have 10,000 addictsdriving around our commu-nity, nodding off,” Atkinsonsaid.

Even though the zip codeslisted for overdoses may bein the central city, the usersare from all over NorthwestOhio. A Liberty Center manoverdosed in Toledo recently,he pointed out.

What can the communitydo?

“Write your legislators.Push to get help. We’re talk-ing but that’s not enough,”Streeter said. “Nationally,144 people a day die. That’sthe equivalent of two 747scrashing a day. If two planescrashed every day, planeswould be grounded. Moreneeds to be done.”

Another deterrent is toget rid of or safely store pre-scription medications.Every area communitypolice or fire departmenthas a drug drop-off box,Barrett said.

Look for the signs andsymptoms of drug abuse,such as a change in friends,grades, and appearance, sleep-ing or eating habits. Missingspoons or an abundance ofaluminum foil balls withburn patterns may meanheroin use.

Area counselors advisepeople close to heroinaddicts to get support fromother families who have gonethrough it.

“Reach out and ask forhelp. Many people areembarrassed by how it couldhappen,” Barrett said.

Get support from organi-zations such as Awake, whichoffers resources includingYouth Education Supportfor ages 14-20 at WatervilleCommunity Church from6:30 to 7:30 p.m. everyThursday.

The youth diversion pro-gram helps first-time, nonvi-olent offenders under 18, aswell as youths who needsome guidance, in a 10-weekprogram for parents andchildren.

The Sheriff’s Office’sDART program helps addictsget into treatment ratherthan jails, Atkinson said.

Soon, blue and whitesigns will appear in the com-munity with a number totext or call to report possibledrug dealers or users, in orderto not just stop the flow ofillegal drugs, but to get helpfor those who are addicted,Barrett said.

For more information,visit www.awawake.org.

July 6, 2017 THE MIRROR Page 7-GGH

Heroin Epidemic Affects All Communities

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTNarconon reminds families that abuse of heroin and opioid drugshas become a national health crisis. Learn to recognize the signsof heroin abuse and get your loved ones help if they are at risk.Visit www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/naloxone-availability.html to learn about the overdose-reversing drugknown as naloxone and find out its availability in your state.

ADDICTION SCREENINGSNarconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals:

1-800-431-1754

New Life RetreatDrug and Alcohol Rehabilitation and Education

Page 8-GGH THE MIRROR July 6, 2017

Hospice Bereavement Group Offered In Toledo Hospice of Northwest Ohio is holding an ongoing

bereavement group for those who are grieving the loss of aloved one from sudden or unexpected death. The group isbeing held the second and fourth Tuesday of each monthfrom 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Toledo Hospice Center, 800 S.Detroit Ave. The group is open to any adult in the communi-ty.

Facilitated by an expert grief counselor, the group will pro-vide participants with information on coping with unexpect-ed loss including healthy coping skills, understanding loss andsetting realistic expectations of one’s self.

While no prior relationship with Hospice of NorthwestOhio is needed, pre-registration is required. For more infor-mation or to register, call (419) 661-4001.

To learn more about grief and loss or Hospice ofNorthwest Ohio, visit our website at www.hospicenwo.org.Aromatherapy Program Offered To Cancer Patients

A program that discusses aromatherapy and the specialways that essential oils can be used for everyday health andwellness is offered free to people with a cancer diagnosis onthe first and third Wednesday of each month from 1:00 to2:00 p.m. at The Victory Center, 5532 W. Central Ave., Ste. B,Toledo. For more information, call The Victory Center at(419) 531-7600.

Good Grief Offers Peer Support To Grieving KidsGood Grief of Northwest Ohio meets on Tuesdays at 6:00

p.m. at 7015 Spring Meadows Dr. West in Holland. GoodGrief provides peer support services to children ages 4-21 whoare grieving the loss of someone important in their lives.

Dinner is provided, followed by group sessions thatinclude age-appropriate healing activities to help childrenlearn to cope with the loss while expressing thoughts and feel-ings through music, play, art and other activities.

Groups are open-ended. Families enter and leave at theirown discretion, and there is no fee. Registration and orienta-tion are required for participation. For further information,call (419) 360-4939 or register at www.goodgriefnwo.org.

Adult Grief Group Meets At Perrysburg Hospice Hospice of Northwest Ohio offers an ongoing, interactive

grief support group for adults who are adjusting to the loss ofany loved one. The group meets from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on thefirst and third Tuesdays of each month at the PerrysburgCenter, 30000 E. River Rd., Perrysburg.

The group is free and open to any adult; however, prereg-istration is required. Call (419) 661-4001 for more informa-tion or to register.Parkinson’s Support Group Set At The WaterfordThe Waterford at Levis Commons and the Parkinson’s

Foundation have initiated a partnership to hold a monthlyParkinson’s support group for not only its residents, but alsopeople in the community who are either suffering from thisdisease or people who are the family members or caregivers ofsomeone affected.

This group will meet on the third Monday of every monthat 6:00 p.m. in the Waterford at Levis Commons Chapel,7100 S. Wilkinson Way, Perrysburg. For more information,call (419) 931-9390.

Vision-Impaired Support Group Meets MonthlyThe Frogtown Low Vision Support Group meets on the

first Wednesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to noon at theHeatherdowns Branch of the Toledo-Lucas County PublicLibrary, 3265 Glanzman Rd., Toledo. For more information,visit www.frogtownvision.org, e-mail frog-towngroup2020@sbc-global.net or call (419) 877-8007.Heartland Rehab Offers SilverSneakers ProgramsHeartland Rehabilitation Services at Arrowhead Park, 518

The Boulevard, Maumee, is a SilverSneakers location andoffers the following SilverSneakers classes: Classic Classes onMondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. andTuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to noon, andSilverSneakers Yoga on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thegym is available during business hours. There is no cost forSilverSneakers members and low cost for nonmembers. Callfor information at (419) 897-9822.Hospice Of Northwest Ohio Conducts Grief Group

Hospice of Northwest Ohio provides free ongoing griefsupport for those who have experienced the death of a spouseor partner. The group is held from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on thesecond and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Hospice ofNorthwest Ohio’s Perrysburg Center, 30000 E. River Rd.,Perrysburg, and on the first and third Wednesdays of each

month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Toledo Hospice Center,800 S. Detroit Ave., Toledo.

Facilitated by hospice bereavement counselors, the grouphelps adults learn ways to adapt to this unexpected life change,set realistic expectations and gain support and understandingin their grief.

Preregistration is required. For more information or toregister, call (419) 661-4001.

Mental Health & Addiction Support AnnouncedThe Gateway to Wellness and Recovery ... A Place for

Families will be held on the third Thursday of each monthfrom 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the University of Toledo ScottPark Campus Classroom Center. The program is a collabo-rative effort by the Mental Health and Recovery ServicesBoard, NAMI of Greater Toledo and TASC of NorthwestOhio.

This free group provides a place for families impacted bymental illness or drug and alcohol addiction to find resourcesand information. Tables from area agencies regarding mentalhealth and addiction services, and a monthly speaker on issuesrelated to mental health and addiction services, will be fea-tured. For more information, contact Sarah Smitley at (419)243-1119 or ssmitley@namitoledo.org.

Heartland Of Waterville Sets Support Group Heartland of Waterville offers a monthly support group

for caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimer’sor dementia. Meetings are held at Heartland on the firstWednesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. Refreshments areprovided.

Alzheimer’s Association Offers Support GroupsThe Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter,

offers support group meetings for caregivers of those withmemory loss. The meetings are free and open to the public.

Meetings are held on the second Saturday of every monthat 1:30 p.m. at Scrambler Marie’s, 570 W. Dussel Dr.,Maumee. For a complete schedule of meetings or more infor-mation, call (800) 272-3900.

Readers interested in submitting items to this column may do so

by sending an e-mail to info@themirrornewspaper.com or bysending a typed press release to The Mirror, 113 W. Wayne St.,Maumee, Ohio 43537. Deadlines are at 5:00 p.m. on each Thursdayprior to the following Thursday’s publication. All items will be usedsolely at the editor’s discretion.

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