Jun 18, 2016 2 min read

Even with the forces of local, state and federal governments arrayed against them, opioids are tenacious, resourceful foes, and exceptionally difficult to defeat.

For too many people in this region and in other parts of the country, opioids like heroin or oxycodone have been robbers, stealing away youth, vitality, potential and life.

Since this is an all-hands-on-deck battle, we are pleased to see that several religious communities in Washington County have joined the fray.

As we reported last week, 40 churches in Washington County have banded together to form Project Refuge. Teaming up with the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission, it is designed to educate congregations about drug abuse and help them combat it, and provide “safe spaces” for addicts to come and get help. According to the story by David Singer, some pastors have been reluctant to forward referrals to counselors out of concern that addicts would get in additional trouble because they are violating parole by using or possessing drugs. Project Refuge would work with the county’s adult probation office to remove that danger. It is also joining a Canonsburg-centered effort, the Communities Moving Forward Coalition, which also deploys churches to help combat drug addiction. Project Refuge will also be a spur for some congregations to change their approach to addiction, said the Rev. Michael Lehman of Fairhill Manor Christian Church on Montgomery Avenue in Washington. He explained, “Whether we like to admit it or not, our sanctuaries have not been seen as safe places, but as places of judgment because of the stigma of the disease.” Lehman also said that “we need to build acceptance of those who are on this path and dealing with the disease of addiction.”

That’s a sentiment everyone should get behind.