Krystal Lewis, a longtime resident of Abilene, never thought that the Fentanyl crisis would hit close to home. However, her perspective changed drastically on June 12, 2023, when she discovered that her own son, Jerrin Hernandez, had overdosed on Fentanyl in their home. Lewis shared her harrowing experience with the Abilene city council, recounting the terrifying moment when she found her son unresponsive and struggling to breathe. Despite administering Narcan and calling 911, Jerrin suffered from short-term memory loss as a result of the overdose. Tragically, he overdosed two more times in August and December of the same year, ultimately losing his life to the deadly drug.
The testimony of Krystal Lewis and other members of the community shed light on the growing Fentanyl crisis in Abilene. Dr. John Russell, an emergency physician at Hendrix Health, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting a significant increase in Fentanyl-related illnesses and deaths. Unlike other narcotics, a Fentanyl overdose can be particularly devastating, often leading to rapid respiratory failure. To combat this alarming trend, local organizations recently installed a Narcan vending machine near downtown Abilene, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and prevention efforts.
In the wake of Jerrin’s tragic death, Krystal Lewis and her husband felt compelled to take action. Despite their initial lack of experience in addressing substance abuse issues, they embarked on a mission to establish Jerrin’s Hope, a regional youth treatment center in Abilene. This facility aims to provide comprehensive services, including mental health support and substance abuse counseling, while incorporating faith-based principles. Lewis envisions a welcoming environment where individuals from all backgrounds can seek help and healing, regardless of their beliefs or identities.
As Krystal Lewis works tirelessly to bring Jerrin’s Hope to fruition, she remains committed to raising awareness about the dangers of Fentanyl in the community. By sharing her personal story at public events and engaging with law enforcement officials, she hopes to prevent further tragedies and ensure that individuals struggling with addiction receive the support they need. Sergeant Dale Watson of the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office echoes the urgency of addressing the Fentanyl crisis, emphasizing the need for increased resources for rehabilitation and prevention efforts. Watson emphasizes the importance of educating young people about the risks associated with counterfeit pills containing Fentanyl, which have become alarmingly common in the area.
Despite the challenges posed by the Fentanyl epidemic, community members like Krystal Lewis and law enforcement officials like Sergeant Dale Watson are determined to combat this crisis head-on. By targeting narcotics traffickers and expanding resources for rehabilitation and prevention, they aim to stem the tide of Fentanyl-related illnesses and deaths in Abilene. Through initiatives like Jerrin’s Hope, they hope to provide a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with addiction and their families, offering a path towards recovery and healing.
Ultimately, the fight against the Fentanyl crisis in Abilene is a collaborative effort that requires the support and dedication of the entire community. By coming together to raise awareness, provide resources, and offer compassion to those affected by addiction, Abilene can work towards a future free from the devastating impact of Fentanyl. Through initiatives like Jerrin’s Hope and ongoing community engagement, the residents of Abilene can turn the tide against this deadly epidemic, ensuring a safer and healthier future for all.
