By: Emily Bradshaw
Willow Thomas, a sophomore at Hinckley-Finlayson High School, is identifying and spreading awareness of the Opioid Epidemic in Native Communities. She began her research as a project for Brooke Anderson's Project English Class. Her inspiration for taking on this project was “I wanted to know what caused people to turn to drugs, find ways to help people recover. I grew up around people using and it’s common in the areas I’ve lived in." Going above and beyond, she has conducted interviews, reaching out to a group “Sober Squad”. “I have reached out to multiple people learning about their stories and experiences," Willow said. “Hopefully I can interview more people and maybe get the families to answer some questions.’’ Diving into Willows research, she says, “Opioids along with other drugs have been extremely harmful to tribal communities in Minnesota, Native Americans were 5 times more likely to die from an overdose. Native Americans make up 1.1% of Minnesota’s population, they also make up 15.8% of all those whose enter into treatment for opioid in 2015”. Willow’s advice to students longing to stand up and address important issues is: “’If you want to help with problems in a community reach out to people who can get you started.’’
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May 2020
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