I would like to talk specifically about the increased use of Oxycontin, Xanax and heroin in our community.

I am a mother of a drug addict and a nurse at a local hospital. I have seen my son and many of his friends become severely addicted to these medications.

I have also seen many kids of their age (21) coming to the hospital with overdoses and heroin addiction leading to heart infections, both of which can be deadly. These are not bad kids. They are kids that have lost their way and need help. Many were star athletes and honor students.

I know that there was much time investment, love and caring that went into the raising of many of these kids. Many consider them losers, junkies, scum.

The problem in Simi is an epidemic. It’s huge.

Please, parents, take an active role and educate yourselves about this disease that is taking our children away.

As with the article dated Jan. 8 regarding cities collaborating with each other, I believe it is time for us as parents to collaborate with each other and help our local law enforcement with their fight against drugs.

We see it and we live it with our children. We are the first defense to protect and help them.

Several doctors have been arrested in the past few years for selling these drugs to our kids, and they are responsible for many deaths in our community. It is all about greed.

Speaking from my family alone, the stress of this disease between my spouse and I, our family and the financial aspect of getting our child help has been draining.

Our generation has grown up with illegal drugs, but to see the flow of triplicate prescription medication infesting the drug market is amazing. This medication is getting to our kids through “dirty doctors,” doctor shopping and theft.

Please, Simi Valley, let’s work together to help our children and join forces together to keep these kids alive.
Susan Klimusko
Simi Valley
Klimusko is a registered nurse.