Jacquelene M Smiro, Neighbor

My name is Jacki Smiro, and I live in Southern Chester County. I’m a mother of two beautiful children. One daughter and a son. My son RJ - gifted, funny and talented doesn’t even begin to describe him. I can tell you that growing up he was all boy. He played sports and had an ear for music. He learned to play the drums when he was 8 and taught himself to play the piano and guitar. From the time RJ was little he wanted to be a Marine; in fact, when he was a teenager, he became a Young Marine. In the summers, he went to Quantico and Paris Island for drill. June 30, 2008, RJ died from an accidental prescription drug overdose. He was 17 and he always will. At the time, we had no idea he or the any of the other teens were experimenting with pills. This was only the beginning of the opioid epidemic in our county.

Over the past four years, I’ve become more involved in the community and speaking out. I guess you can say because I’ve realized that I’m not alone. I've become an advocate and participate in state and local governments discussions, as well as a member of community Task Force groups to support changes and regulations issues. There is a difference between being a member and providing strategies and recommendations that make a positive impact to effectively support recovery.

In 2014, had worked with our DA's office and Holcomb to form a chapter of NOPE (Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education) in Chester County, reaching 20,000+ students. This fall will be 4th school year! I also organize community events and create social media awareness around the opioid epidemic. Most recently, formed our non-profit "Live4RJ" because that's what I do today. We are helping addicts seeking treatment and building that connection to transition into recovery with those who have walked in their shoes. If you need help please reach out!