Joe Bodine. Photo by Katherine Richter

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Dear Decaturish,

I am the youth development coordinator with Decatur Prevention Initiative. One of my roles is an adviser to the Decatur Youth Action Team with freshman to seniors who attend Decatur High School.  DYAT plans and implements peer-focused prevention, community service projects and activities for teens in Decatur that positively impact their peers and/or their community.

Today, Aug. 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day.  DYAT has planned an event at Decatur High School throughout the day tomorrow in remembrance of those we’ve lost to overdose as well as showing support for the loved ones who are left behind.  DHS students and staff will have an opportunity to make a button to wear throughout the day showing their support.  In addition all of DHS has been encouraged to wear silver to show their support.

DYAT will be creating a PSA campaign in coming months implementing some of the new strategies utilized in the prevention field.  In 2017 professionals and some of the general public have begun to recognize the connection between drug/alcohol usage and mental health.  Some Decaturish readers may be familiar of the passing of Joe Bodine, a DHS graduate, back in May 2016 due to an overdose.

As a result of my professional and personal life I have created a fundraising opportunity for the Joe Bodine Fund held under Decatur Education Foundation. Joe’s family created the fund to support mental health and addiction services for youth in our community. When the health of our youth is in jeopardy the repercussions can echo throughout the community.

I would appreciate Decaturish sharing the Go Fund Me page below where additional details can be found. This is an opportunity for community members to support the mental health of our youth and make a difference in the future health of those to come.  Contributions to the Joe Bodine Fund are tax deductible under the Decatur Education Foundation.

https://www.gofundme.com/rideforjoe

Warmly,

Marnie Grodzin

Editor’s note: Details of Bodine’s death were published after receiving consent from his family. 

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