Bost, Perry County leaders discuss opiate epidemic

DU QUOIN - Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis and the office of Congressman Mike Bost organized a gathering of local leaders at Alongi's Restaurant on March 26 to discuss the opiate epidemic and other drug-related issues.

Bost shared his insights from his work in Washington D.C. and his efforts to make a difference for southern Illinois. He also listened to area leaders reference the local opiate response and current drug trends being seen in the increase of Mexican Cartel Crystal Methamphetamine that has saturated the area in recent months.

Local leaders involved in the meeting were: Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis, Perry County Drug Task Force member Jamie Ellermeyer, Perry County Commissioners Jim Epplin and Bobby Kelly, Du Quoin Police Chief Les Vancil, Du Quoin Mayor Guy Alongi, Marshall Browning Hospital's Sandy Gant and staff member, Perry County Counseling Substance Abuse Specialist Rebecca Anderson and staff member, Pinckneyville Ambulance Service representative Patsy Lipe, and Du Quoin school administrators Gary Kelly and Matt Hickam.