Williamson County, Texas

PROCLAMATION read by Commissioner Cook on Oct. 27, 2020

WHEREAS, October is Substance Use Prevention Month, promoting prevention efforts and demonstrating commitment to healthy and drug-free lifestyles; and  

WHEREAS, According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2019, 20.4 million people aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder the previous year, and from those, only 2.5% received any substance abuse treatment; and  

WHEREAS, the 2019 Williamson County Community Health Assessment reported that 22.2% of adults in Williamson County reported excessive drinking compared with 18% nationwide, which indicates that substance use disorders should be a primary concern county-wide; and

WHEREAS, Research shows that drug addiction is preventable and treatable. According to Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, for each dollar invested in an evidence-based prevention program, there can be a reduced cost between $2 and $20 in treatment and other health related expenses; and 

WHEREAS, Since 1978, LifeSteps has been working in Williamson County to improve our community’s health, safety, and well-being by preventing substance use disorders and supporting long-term recovery; and 

WHEREAS, LifeSteps Substance Use Prevention Coalition knows that prevention goes beyond “Just Say No” slogans and knowledge of the negative effects of drugs; they work to engage, inform and empower the community to prevent substance use and remove or minimize risk conditions by changing social norms, and investing in wellness and in the community where you live, work, and play; and 

On Tuesday, October 13, take the combined Take10 CPR Class and Stop the Bleed classes to learn the life-saving skills of CPR in 10 minutes with how to control life-threatening bleeding including tourniquet application, applying direct pressure and wound packing to assist someone in need. To register for this class, email [email protected].

CLASS:  Take 10 & Stop the Bleed

DATE & Time:  Tuesday, October 13, 2020  -  6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

LOCATION:  Williamson County EMS North Campus, 3189 S.E. Inner Loop, Georgetown

COST:  FREE

On Saturday, October 24, American Heart Association CPR and First Aid classes will be offered.  These classes are open to anyone with a desire to learn how to save a life or act in a medical emergency. Enroll in both classes for a total of just $45

CLASS:  HeartSaver First Aid Class (Adult

DATE & TIME:  Saturday, October 24, 2020  - 8 a.m. to noon

LOCATION:  Williamson County EMS North Campus, 3189 S.E. Inner Loop, Georgetown 

COST:  $35 (includes student manual)

Commissioner Cook's speech presented at the live portion of the Survive-Thrive-Prevent Virtual 5K on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown

Listen to her speech on FB: https://www.facebook.com/lesa.hawkinscantrell/videos/10217809584891003/?t=10

My generation grew up watching June and Ward Cleaver raising their sons Wally and “the Beaver” (Theodore) on TV.  Ward was the wise and mentoring Dad walking his sons down the narrow and true paths of life.  June was the loving, comforting mom who stayed calm no matter what flew thru her door, and I will add, cooked dinner in pearls and wearing high heels. Well, Wally and Beaver were the typical kids getting in trouble and learning from their mistakes.  Life was generally good and that was the idyllic 50’s.

Today, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men report being physically abused in their home settings.  1 in 3 teenagers are in a violent dating relationship.  Parents, who will your kids be with tonight and doing what?

For those young ones growing up in turbulent homes:

What is life without trust?

What is life full of fear?

What is life that lacks affection and where a hug is only offered for protection?

What is love – what is it like to hear all these songs of love and not be able to phantom what those words even mean?

What is it like to rarely feel safe?

            That is the very life of a child in a home of physical abuse?

            How does the brain of a child develop normally with high levels of cortisol surging always?

            This family is the foundation for developing multigenerational lives of the abuser and the abused.

Commissioner Cook and her staff, Garry and Doris, helped with lawncare at the Round Rock Area Serving Center.