Year in Review: For A Brighter Tomorrow with Terry Hanley

Intro by Ron Beacom:

The statistics are staggering. The Centers for Disease Control reports overdose deaths from opioids in the United States increased by 15% from 2020 to 2021, a total of 80,816. In Michigan, that number alone was over 3,000.   While the increase was not as large as the 30% increase which occurred in the prior year, those numbers still represent thousands of family members and friends mourning the tragic loss of a loved one.

In response to this crisis,  many efforts have been organized across the country to stem the tide, increase awareness, and offer help.  Locally, one of the more visible efforts is “For A Brighter Tomorrow.”  Terry Hanley serves as the organization’s president. He and his wife, Susan, lost their 27-year-old son, Zachary Spaulding, in 2013. Hanley says he’s honored to be part of this group and help where he can. He enjoys going into schools and speaking to kids.

Article by Terry Hanley:

From being a part of the Midland recovery field since 2015, we have seen a lot of changes over these years.  We have been excited to see so much community support.  There are so many more groups that have been started, and events that are happening.  

For a Brighter Tomorrow is a non-profit organization that continues to help those in recovery with financial aid for drug testing and drug counseling.  We can offer financial help with transportation, cleaning supplies, and other items that may be needed.  These are still very important needs for those in recovery.  We now also offer financial help for sober living.  If a person needs help, they can call us (989-330-9035)  and get registered.  Once registered, we can offer up to 90 days of financial support, depending on each situation.  

The opioid crisis is still going strong in our nation, state and our community.  Fentanyl is coming into America in numbers worse than ever before.  Many other drugs are being laced with it.  When people use a drug, they are taking on the risk of dying each time.  We still are seeing a continuous rise in overdoses, and overdose deaths.  

Over the last seven years we have seen a continued growth in different groups and people who have joined the fight against this epidemic.  There is so much more help that is offered in our community.  If you or someone you know has an addiction, please look to contact someone. There is help available. You are not alone.