By WAYNE ALLEN
PDT Staff Writer
Despite the rain and cold, dozens of participants turned out Saturday for the 10th annual Walk for Autism, sixth annual Car Show and the SOLACE “Spring Into Recovery” celebration at Tracy Park in Portsmouth.
Activities were going on in the park, including a number of bands and speakers, throughout the day.
Among the speakers was 89th District State Rep. Dr. Terry Johnson and 39th District State Rep. Clayton Luckie.
Luckie spoke about several bills in front of the Ohio legislature to help in the prescription drug battle.
“I came down today to speak to the crowd and inform them they are not alone in this fight. Prescription drugs are killing our babies all across the state. There are several bills sitting in committee that would help stop this. Through events like these we can bring awareness and understanding to the young kids, letting them know there is a better way,” Luckie said.
Johnson spoke about the importance of education when it comes to autism.
“I know a lot of parents and family members who have autistic children or family members. When you talk to them, they talk about their experiences and there is a lot of pride and there is a lot of pain,” Johnson said. “What we need to do is educate people, we need to find forgiveness in our hearts and we need to find the ability to help people to understand. That’s what a day like today is all about.”
Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 208, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.
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