By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Last week, the Barton County Commission approved a proclamation marking April 24, 2025, as Drug Endangered Children Awareness Day in Barton County. The proclamation was first introduced by Amy Ferguson, Rise Up Central Kansas Coordinator. The designation sheds lights on the families impacted by substance use disorder, the risks associated with early exposure and the influence of intervention services.
"Thank you for standing with us as we continue to build a safer and more responsive community than ever," said Ferguson. "I know you heard us all laughing earlier. I was thinking just what a gift that is. Today, everyone in this room is happy, joyous and free. We don't ever have to go back."
Members of the local Oxford House organization help read the proclamation. The first Oxford House in Great Bend opened in 2016 to provide transitional living for people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.
Ferguson said Oxford House residents are often the first step in getting families back together and help address those children that are drug endangered.
Ferguson added children are significantly affected by instability, trauma and neglect that too often come with caregiver substance misuse. The goal is to unite community partners to better identify and support these children.