LAFAYETTE PARISH, LA — A significant financial boost aimed at tackling the opioid crisis in Lafayette Parish is providing critical resources to local addiction treatment and recovery programs. This funding comes as a result of a 2021 settlement with pharmaceutical companies involved in the opioid epidemic.
The 15th Judicial District Court has received $333,900 to aid in opioid abatement efforts, a key move in the local fight against the devastating impact of opioid abuse. In addition, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) is set to receive $100,676 to conduct a study on how the opioid crisis has affected the local criminal justice system. These funds are expected to make a noticeable difference in addressing the far-reaching effects of the opioid epidemic in the region.
Among the first initiatives to benefit from this financial support is a recovery program spearheaded by Judge Valerie Garrett. This program provides a combination of medical assistance, temporary housing, and life skills training for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Judge Garrett has emphasized how this funding will significantly enhance the program’s ability to track and support individuals through their recovery journey.
“We had treatment options before, but what we lacked were housing and tools to track progress. Now, we can monitor individuals and better support their recovery,” Garrett explained. Her statement reflects the program’s evolution, as it moves beyond simple treatment to provide a more holistic approach to rehabilitation.
The opioid crisis, which has plagued the community for years, continues to claim lives. Data from the Lafayette Coroner’s Office paints a grim picture, showing a steady increase in overdose deaths, particularly those tied to fentanyl. In 2019, 55 overdose deaths were reported, with 25 involving fentanyl. By 2024, that number had risen to 71 fatal overdoses, 45 of which were attributed to fentanyl. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for sustained and comprehensive efforts to curb the epidemic.
One of the program’s graduates, Brooke Hatch, shared her personal experience of overcoming addiction. Hatch’s substance abuse began after a car accident in 2008, which led her down a path of meth and heroin use. After years of battling addiction, she found hope through the recovery program, which she credits with changing her life.
“I started using meth, heroin—whatever I could get my hands on,” Hatch recalled. “The program gave me the tools I needed to get my life back on track.”
Another success story comes from Patrik Tilley, another graduate who has benefited from the program’s support. Tilley spoke of how the initiative helped him understand the root causes of his addiction, and how it gave him the tools to give back to others who are going through similar struggles.
“I’ve been able to give back and help others who are coming through the program,” Tilley said. “The impact has been great.”
Despite the positive outcomes, Judge Garrett remains focused on the need for continued resources to ensure the program’s success. “This funding is a much-needed boost, but there is still a long way to go,” she said. “More resources are needed to sustain the program and continue helping those who are struggling with addiction.”
As the opioid crisis continues to affect communities across the country, Lafayette Parish’s efforts to address the issue are a model for how targeted funding and community-driven initiatives can make a meaningful difference. However, the fight is far from over, and the need for ongoing support and resources remains critical in the battle against opioid addiction.