Our region is in a “crisis mode,” Lawrence County Common Pleas Court Judge Andy Ballard told students at Symmes Valley High School on Monday.

He was at the school to take part in a panel on drug, alcohol and addiction issues.

The event, organized by Randy Boggs, safety administrator for the high school, also featured Ohio State Trooper and DRE coordinator Josh C. Craft, Rachael Henderson of Riverside Recovery Services and Lawrence County Diversion Coordinator Josh Whaley.

Henderson shared her own addiction and recovery story with students, while Craft emphasized self-worth and the importance of surrounding oneself with a positive environment.

Ballard agreed with Craft and said most of those who come before him in court likely would not be there, had they had support in their home.

All members of the panel stressed that, in addition to prosecuting dealers, more emphasis needs to be put on providing treatment for those who are addicted.

And, in addition to criminal and treatment approaches, another key tactic in addressing the opioid crisis is preventive education.

The event at Symmes Valley is a perfect example of this in practice.

We commend Boggs and those who took part in the event for understanding the potential of our region’s youth and working to point them in the right direction.