Last week, as many of you might know, was the funeral for the young soul of just 18 years that we had lost to a heroin overdose. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of this wonderful young man.

Looking past the deep sadness that accompanies such a tragic event what struck me so profoundly, were the bicycles laying scattered in the grassy area in front of Flintofts funeral home. Kids should not be riding their bikes to a friend’s funeral, and yet here we were.

Anyone who has met this young man would describe a kind, bright, soft spoken and caring individual. However when most people envision a victim of overdose they succumb to stereotypes generated by the media, riddled with the stigma and myths associated with substance dependence of a bad individual, rather than a sick individual who needs help. It seems that is changing as we are exposed to so many stories about the disease of addiction and tragedies related to its progression.

Like so many communities around the country we are experiencing the most tragic of outcomes of this healthcare crisis. Substance use disorders impact about 10-15 percent of our population. However, the societal impact related to the lack of prevention and treatment often wreaks havoc on communities and school resources. When our eyes are wide open we can see clearly the progression this reality takes. We watch as adolescent curiosity, and experimentation turns to devastate some, as they can find no way out of the compulsion and obsession to keep using substances.

As we grieve, and hold our own children a bit tighter, perhaps we will share in the community responsibility of caring for these vulnerable souls, let them know they matter, and that they are not alone.

No more bikes at funerals.

Jerry Blackburn, chemical dependency professional, member, Issaquah Drug-free Community Coalition