Part 2 of 3 on how our law enforcement, Commonwealth's Attorney and Schools are working ti curb the Fentanyl crisis in Shenandoah County
Shenandoah County Commonwealth’s Attorney Elizabeth Cooper has taken up the gauntlet in the fight against fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid that has infiltrated communities across the nation. With unwavering determination, Cooper is committed to curtailing the spread and impact of this dangerous substance within Shenandoah County.
A Grave Concern: Fentanyl’s Menace
“Fentanyl is not going away; it continues to infiltrate our community,” asserts Cooper. She recognizes the urgency of addressing this crisis head-on. The stakes are high, especially when it comes to the safety of our youth. Cooper emphasizes, “The deadliness of this drug cannot be underestimated.”
Swift Action: Pretrial Services and Accountability
Cooper’s office takes a proactive approach. When suspects are arrested and drug use is suspected, they are placed on pretrial services. If fentanyl is detected in their system, Cooper advocates for holding them in custody pending trial. This swift action aims to limit the drug’s impact.
Educating the Community: Prevention Is Key
Cooper encourages parents, caretakers, and mentors to educate youth about the dangers of ingesting unknown substances. She emphasizes that addiction often begins innocently, with seemingly low-risk substances like marijuana or alcohol.
Drug Court Success and Long-Term Solutions
Since taking office, Cooper has actively engaged with the Drug Court run by the local Circuit Court. The program has seen remarkable success among participants. Cooper also collaborates closely with local probation offices to promote long-term drug treatment programs, equipping defendants with the tools needed to break free from drug dependency.
Community Support and Recovery
Cooper’s commitment extends beyond prosecution. She collaborates with a local team to secure additional resources for addiction recovery and support for affected families. Shenandoah County benefits from dedicated community members who educate and advocate for drug awareness and prevention.
In her pursuit of justice, Elizabeth Cooper remains steadfast in prioritizing community safety. Through criminal justice practices, she aims to help shield Shenandoah County from the dangers of fentanyl and other harmful drugs. Her dedication gives hope for a safer and more informed community for all.
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