State senators in Johnstown recently were treated to a short course on the drug problem and its relationship to crime in small urban areas. Dr. Marion Spellman, Founding President and CEO of Peniel was invited to attend the roundtable discussion on crime and violence in the Greater Johnstown Community.

Dr. Spellman had this to say about the problem of addiction and accompanying activity on the local community:

She said she would like the state to help Peniel reach more addicts here and duplicate its success in others cities.

The key is identifying factors behind each person’s addiction, Spellman said.

“My goal is to find out: Why are you using drugs?” she said. “You have to help them change their minds about the way they are living.”

Often it stems from a dysfunctional family life and parents who are overwhelmed and don’t know how to connect with their children, Spellman said.

You can read the entire article at the Johnstown Tribune Democrat’s news page.