Team Little Rock spreads drug, domestic abuse awareness with 5K

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Grace Nichols
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Team Little Rock walked, ran, and jogged Oct. 5 to bring awareness to substance abuse and domestic violence.

October was designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1987 to raise awareness and educate the public on prevention, and more recently in 2011, October also became National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.  

The 19th Airlift Wing Drug Demand and Reduction program, 19th Medical Group Mental Health and 19th Medical Group Family Advocacy sponsored the run.

“These three agencies have teamed up because there are other areas that substance abuse affects,” said Sharise Holland, 19th Airlift Wing DDR program manager. ”It can contribute to domestic violence, mental health disorders, sexual assaults and suicides. It’s all interconnected.”

Approximately 150 Airmen came out to spread awareness for the cause and combat adverse behaviors in their work places. Representatives from the base spoke before the event.

“National statistics show that one out of four women and one out of seven men are affected by domestic violence during their lifetime, and nearly one million children are affected annually,” said Sandra Tinsley, 19th Medical Group Family Advocacy domestic abuse victim advocate. “Thank you for coming out today to partner with us to spread awareness.”

For more information, or for help, contact one of the following agencies:

DDR: (501) 987 – 8982.

Mental Health: (501) 987-7338.

Family Advocacy: (501) 987-7377.