Charleston, WV (Wowk)-Lauren Cole, a 26-year-old from Morgantown, died after she had taken out fentanyl in July 2020. But she didn’t die for nothing.
A legislation called Lauren’s law aims to keep the fatal drug from West Virginia away. The Senate passed the bill on Tuesday with a vote of 32: 1. It now goes to the Delegate House, where it must also happen before it can deal with governor Patrick Morrisey’s desk.
“Fentanyl is infiltrated in almost every medication, even in medication such as marijuana. It has very addictive properties, “said Republican Senator Brian Helton from Fayette County.” The dependency here in West Virginia is so widespread. It is not only fatal with regard to the overdose rate, but also in terms of addictive properties. “
Lauren’s father Michael Cole is only too familiar with the drug fenanyl and says that his daughter does not know that the drugs who have taken their lives were laced with Fentanyl.
“I only wish she was here,” said Cole. “She had completed the WVU in social work. She got her master’s degree in social work. She was a WVU chicker leader who had everything. This is not discriminated against.”
The men, the Lauren, the drugs, the drugs with fentanyn teeth, were sold, charged with the boost in drug levy and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Now Lauen’s law increases the penalties for this charge and transports Fentanyl and other drugs to West Virginia. The draft law also creates mandatory sentences in which individuals are not entitled to probation over a longer period of time.
“We will send a message to these drug dealers that West Virginia is closed for business,” said Helton.
“Shrinking agents work for everything,” said the Republican colleague, Senator Scott Fuller from Wayne County.
Her father welcomes the efforts of the legislators, but in the meantime he has created a non -profit organization called Lauren’s wish in Morgantown to facilitate those who have to deal with drug abuse.
“We will continue to do what we are doing,” said Cole. “We were open for a little more than two years in October. Last week we put 900 customers in the shade who went through Lauren’s wish. Of these 900 customers, we successfully attracted 89 percent. You do a fantastic job up there to make a difference and save lives. “
More information about Lauren’s wish can be found in the non -profit website. If you or someone you know have to fight with addiction, you can also contact Help4wv.
