The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday extended a certificate to Anti-Drug Coordinator Theresa Koki and her team for their efforts to battle drug and alcohol abuse under the Office of the Mayor. September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery
The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday extended a certificate to Anti-Drug Coordinator Theresa Koki and her team for their efforts to battle drug and alcohol abuse under the Office of the Mayor.
September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, which Kaua‘i will recognize today with a health and wellness event at the Lihu‘e Civic Center.
“We all know drugs are a big problem here on Kaua‘i and we’re appreciative of your efforts,” said Councilman Mel Rapozo. He noted his personal experience with loved ones battling addiction, saying his brother recently returned from treatment on the Big Island.
Koki stressed that a collaborative effort with other agencies and nonprofits is key to handling the problem — from Hina Mauka to Kaua‘i Police Department, Liquor Control, Big Brothers Big Sisters, volunteers from the Air National Guard and Baby Safe.
She also told the council that a residential treatment facility on Kaua‘i is critical to meeting the island’s needs.
“People in treatment and recovery who have chosen the wrong path deserve a second chance,” Koki said.
For more on the wellness fair, see the story on page B1.