By CRAIG HOWARD
Managing Editor
Spokane Valley News Herald
Ron Haeger is a veteran of marathons and participated in Bloomsday for years, but no race will be as important as the one he runs this weekend.
On Saturday, June 16, Haeger and his wife, Karen, will host the inaugural Justin C. Haeger 10-Miler, an event held in remembrance of their son who passed away last April at the age of 22 from a methadone overdose.
The run will begin at 8 a.m. at Spokane Falls Community College with all proceeds benefiting Daybreak Youth Services, an organization dedicated to helping adolescents overcome substance abuse.
Ron said the goal of the event is to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs and to prevent tragedies like Justin's from happening again.
“We want to bring the problem to light,” he said.
“People may think just because it's a prescription drug from a doctor, it's safe – but it's not.”
Earlier this year, the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council hosted a town hall meeting on the risks associated with prescription drugs. Sally Aiken, Spokane County chief medical examiner, was part of a panel of experts who emphasized the importance of staying safe and informed. In 2006, 112 people in Spokane County died from drug overdoses – 91 cases involved prescription drugs.
“It doesn't feel risky – but it is very risky,” Aiken said.
Karen Haeger was in attendance at the town hall meeting and was one of a number of people to speak out on the issue of making sure doctors and pharmacies don't contribute to the problem. Aiken said the medical examiner's office tracks the origin of prescription drugs associated with each death.
Suspicious cases are also turned into the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.
The physician who wrote Justin the prescription for methadone is the subject of an ongoing investigation.
Kristin Richards, Justin's sister, said the idea to organize a run came about as a way to honor her brother's memory, bring attention to the threat of prescription drugs and support a program like Daybreak that works to keep kids free from drugs and alcohol.
“We decided we needed to do something about this when so many other people are dying,” she said. “We don't want to just brush it under the rug – we want to let people know it's a lot more dangerous than they think it is. Even a small dose can take someone's life.”
Methadone is just one of many drugs that can result in fatal consequences. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that abuse of opiates like OxyContin, Vicodin and Percodan can cause respiratory problems that lead to death. Overuse of stimulants like Ritalin and Concerta have brought on seizures and cardiovascular failure while sedatives like Valium can also cause seizures.
As with alcohol and other drugs, prescription medication can dangerously impair driving and lead to tragic consequences. Last month, Spokane Valley resident Francisca R. Bell was arrested and charged with four counts of vehicular assault in connection with an April collision that left two people seriously injured. Police seized prescription drugs from Bell's vehicle after the incident.
Pegge Heglund talked to attendees at the town hall meeting about the impact of parents talking to their kids about prescription drug abuse and other substances. Heglund lost her 16-year-old daughter last year to a methadone overdose.
“Don't ever give up on a child,” Heglund said. “Talk to your children about how dangerous these drugs are.”
Kristin remembers her brother as “an amazing person” who loved the outdoors and hobbies like drawing and snowboarding. Examples of Justin's artwork now adorn the walls of family members and friends.
Ron said organizing the race – there are around 100 people signed up to participate – has been a healthy distraction from the pain that still lingers.
“It's kept me so busy moving in a positive direction,” he said. “It's helped with the healing.”
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