FREE! DECEMBER 2024 Vol. 21 Issue 7
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Belle Vernon Rotary Honors ‘Students of the Month’ Page 8
Local Churches Hold Clothing Drive to Help Hurricane Victims Page 11
Mt. Lebanon Seminarian to Intern at Saints Joachim and Anne Catholic Parish, Page 21
Jefferson Hills Library’s New Resource Center Addresses Fentanyl Dangers education on this issue. She recently spoke at a library program, emphasizing the dangers posed by counterfeit fenIn response to a growing national tanyl pills, which are increasingly prevacrisis, the Jefferson Hills Public lent in communities. Library has opened a new resource “Seven out of every ten fake fentanyl area dedicated to drug use and prepills bought on the street contain a vention. This initiative aims to potentially lethal dose,” Dr. Zona equip the community with vital explained. “These pills are deceivingly information to combat the alarming similar to legitimate prescription medrise in adolescent drug overdoses, ications, and their users often have no which has been exacerbated by the idea they are ingesting fentanyl.” spread of counterfeit pills laced with Dr. Zona’s message is clear: the comdeadly fentanyl. munity needs to be aware of the dangers “Every week, an average of 22 and prevalence of these counterfeit pills, adolescents ages 14-18 die in the which are often sold as common medU.S. from drug overdoses, primarily ications like Percocet, Xanax, and due to fentanyl-laced prescription Jefferson Hills Public Library’s dedicatAdderall. “A classroom of teens a week pills,” said Jane Milner, Program ed Drug Use and Prevention Resource are dying from illicit fentanyl,” she said. Coordinator at the library. “Many of Center, created to inform parents, “Many believe they’re taking a legitimate these young people are taking a pill teens, and educators about the prescription, but nearly every pill not for the first time, unaware of the dangers of counterfeit drugs. directly provided by a doctor is likely lethal risks involved.” fake—and potentially fatal.” The resource center can be found The Jefferson Hills Public Library is a PA Forward Gold on the second floor of the Jefferson Hills Municipal Center. This dedicated resource area features pamphlets, flyers, and Star Library, committed to promoting community literacy educational materials on various drug-related topics. The across essential areas, including health and wellness. “Our information is designed to help parents and caregivers nav- Gold Star designation means we prioritize programming igate critical conversations about drug use, recognize the and resources that support key literacies for our communiwarning signs of drug use in teens, and understand the ty—whether for employment skills, responsible citizenpotentially fatal risks associated with even a single counter- ship, or health and wellness,” said Milner. “This drug prevention resource area is one way we’re helping residents feit pill. Milner collaborated with Dr. Elizabeth Zona, a board-cer- stay informed about an urgent issue that impacts us all.” Community members are encouraged to visit the tified physician in anesthesiology and addiction medicine from Moon Township. Dr. Zona’s expertise in addiction library’s resource area to access the free materials available medicine and firsthand experience with the impact of fen- and become better informed on this critical public health tanyl on young lives have made her a powerful advocate for issue. By Charlotte Hopkins
Candlelight Christmas Eve Celebration at Crossroads Ministries This Christmas season, we’re taking time to remember what this season is all about – the birth of Jesus Christ. Celebrate with us at one of our Christmas Eve Candlelight Celebrations on December 24. You will experience a warm welcome, familiar Christmas music, special music, and a meaningful message and a moment of “Peace on Earth” as we enjoy a Candlelight Christmas Eve together. Christmas Eve Celebrations are at 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. Crossroads Ministries is located at 81 Walter Long Road, in Finleyville. For more information go to the church’s website at www.crsmin.com