Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Toggle search form
  • Iowa Arab American Legislator Sami Scheetz
    ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78 American Arabs
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval American Arabs
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez American Arabs
  • Bavaria non-Alcoholic
    Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award Business
  • ADALAH confronts racist laws
    Civil Society Organizations to the Israeli Supreme Court: Cancel the Racist Admissions Committees Law Activism
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist American Arabs
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees American Arabs
  • Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Wikipedia
    Flooding slams Wayne County in Detroit Michigan: Dingell releases statement of support Michigan
  • MBC launches new satellite channel focused on Saudi Culture
    Saudis launch new Satellite TV channel dedicated to Saudi Culture Arab World
  • The names and faces of the 14 Palestinian engaged in an open hunger strike to demand freedom from administrative detention, imprisonment without charge or trial. Graphic by Samidoun. You can join Samidoun's campaign here and find useful resources.
    Palestinians mount hunger strike campaign against administrative detention Arab World
  • “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom & Human Rights,” McCormick Place, August 14-18, for the largest, worldwide gathering of global, faith-based, and social change leaders. 
    Largest global interfaith gathering coming to Chicago this week Christian & Muslim
  • State rep. Cyril Nichols, Democrat, 32nd Illinois House District
    Relationship between Arab Americans and African Americans needs more balance, Black State Rep says American Arabs
  • Syropotamia Online Magazine logo
    SYROPOTAMIA online magazine launched to Illuminate Arab American Stories American Arabs
  • Detroit’s true freedom fighters, activist, trailblazer, and leader Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson who died on July 10, 2023
    AHRC Mourns the passing of Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, Freedom Fighter and Detroit Icon American Arabs
  • Abed Ayoub ADC National Director (Aug. 2022)
    ADC launches Arab American Business Advisory Council American Arabs
AHRC hosts Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility Feb. 18, 2020 in Dearborn, Michigan

Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility

Posted on February 20, 2020February 20, 2020 By rayhanania No Comments on Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

Loading

Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility

The American Human Rights Council in Dearborn, Michigan held a conference on the growing problem of Opiod Addiction in the Arab American and Muslim community. The conference was held on Feb. 18, 2020 to address the challenges facing drug addictions

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, the American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) organized and hosted a community leadership meeting and open discussion to address the crisis of addiction to opioids within the Arab and Muslim American community.

The meeting included the following government officials:  Mr. Mathew Schneider, US Attorney of the Eastern District; Mr. Steven M. D’Antuono, SAC FBI Detroit Field Office; and Mr. Bruce R. McColley, Assistant Special Agent in Charge II, Detroit/OCDETF Strike Force. From the community and civil society were fifty men and women in attendance. They included civic community leaders, clergy, lawyers, mental health professionals, medical doctors, lawyers, students, ethnic media representatives, business leaders, relief agencies and educators.

AHRC hosts Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility Feb. 18, 2020 in Dearborn, Michigan
AHRC hosts Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility Feb. 18, 2020 in Dearborn, Michigan

The common denominator of all those in attendance was the full determination to join efforts to fight this rapidly growing epidemic. Participants exchanged views, analysis and diagnoses as to this crisis destroying lives and taking lives. All stressed the importance of raising awareness that addiction is a disease and not a personal and moral failure. The culture of shame and silence is literally taking innocent lives. There is no shame in seeking help.

The US Attorney, the FBI and the DEA stressed on the importance of collaborative efforts between the community and law enforcement agencies to fight this danger and to help save lives.  They offered all the needed assistance to help the community at large contain and fight this challenge.  The same sentiment was affirmed by all participants who pledged to increase their awareness and prevention efforts.

AHRC hosts Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility Feb. 18, 2020 in Dearborn, Michigan
AHRC hosts Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility Feb. 18, 2020 in Dearborn, Michigan

The American Human rights Council (AHRC-USA) recognizes that there are several great community initiatives that have been working hard to address this epidemic. Their efforts are commendable and indeed they are helping save lives. This meeting was not meant to send the message that nothing is being done about the crisis. We can always do more.

“The opioid challenge is a common challenge facing us all,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director.  “AHRC calls upon all community leaders, civic and religious, to spare no effort to help spread further awareness about this most serious challenge,” added Hamad.

“We too are passionate about working together to diminish the tragic consequences of opioid misuse and abuse,” said Mr. Bruce R. McColley, Assistant Special Agent in Charge II, Detroit/OCDETF Strike Force. “It is obvious that these parents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles, are passionate in working together to reduce the impact the opioid epidemic is having on us all,” added McColley.

AHRC hosts Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility Feb. 18, 2020 in Dearborn, Michigan
AHRC hosts Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility Feb. 18, 2020 in Dearborn, Michigan

“There can be no denying America is facing a national crisis regarding opioids and other similar drugs. More than 100 people, mainly youth, die daily from opioids and similar drugs,” said Imam Steve Elturk, AHRC Board Member and Imam of the Islamic Organization of North America, IONA. “The meeting with government officials, clergy, community leaders, teachers, etc. organized by AHRC was a step in the right direction. It is through our combined resources that we can beat this epidemic,” concluded Elturk.

 “The meeting was an eye opener. The Imams, educators and social workers shed light on how the opioid crisis has affected the vulnerable unsuspecting population – the young and elderly,” said Michigan attorney Shereef Akeel, AHRC Advisory Member. “The need is great to allocate more resources to schools to educate our young and their families before it is too late.  We need to act with a sense of urgency,” added Akeel.

“There is a lot of stigma, judgement, shame, and even just ignorance associated with drug addiction, and with mental illness in general. We all need to work together as a community to bring awareness to this problem. Whether you are friend or parent, an educator, or a health care workers, everyone can make a difference.” Said Dr. Laila Hajjar, President NAAMA Michigan Chapter.

AHRC hosts Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility Feb. 18, 2020 in Dearborn, Michigan
AHRC hosts Addiction to Opioids: A Common Challenge, a Shared Responsibility Feb. 18, 2020 in Dearborn, Michigan

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
rayhanania
rayhanania
Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster at The Arab Daily News
RAY HANANIA — Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster

Ray Hanania is an award winning political and humor columnist who analyzes American and Middle East politics, and life in general. He is an author of several books.

Hanania covered Chicago Politics and Chicago City Hall from 1976 through 1992 at the Daily Southtown and the Chicago Sun-Times. He began writing in 1975 publishing The Middle Eastern Voice newspaper in Chicago (1975-1977). He later published “The National Arab American Times” newspaper (2004-2007).

Hanania writes weekly columns on Middle East and American Arab issues as Special US Correspondent for the Arab News ArabNews.com, at TheArabDailyNews.com, and at SuburbanChicagoland.com. He has published weekly columns in the Jerusalem Post newspaper, YNetNews.com, Newsday, the Orlando Sentinel, Houston Chronical, and Arlington Heights Daily Herald.

Hanania is the recipient of four (4) Chicago Headline Club “Peter Lisagor Awards” for Column writing. In November 2006, he was named “Best Ethnic American Columnist” by the New American Media. In 2009, Hanania received the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award for Writing from the Society of Professional Journalists. He is the recipient of the MT Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award. He was honored for his writing skills with two (2) Chicago Stick-o-Type awards from the Chicago Newspaper Guild. In 1990, Hanania was nominated by the Chicago Sun-Times editors for a Pulitzer Prize for his four-part series on the Palestinian Intifada.

His writings have also been honored by two national Awards from ADC for his writing, and from the National Arab American Journalists Association.

Hanania is the US Special Correspondent for the Arab News Newspaper, covering Middle East and Arab American issues. He writes for the Southwest News newspaper group writing on mainstream American issues.

Click here to send Ray Hanania email.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
rayhanania
Latest posts by rayhanania (see all)
  • ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78 - September 27, 2023
  • American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval - September 27, 2023
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez - September 27, 2023

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
American Arabs, Civil Rights, Culture, Editors Picks, Health, immigrants, Lebanon, mainstream, News, Palestine & Jordan, Spotlight Tags:2020, AHRC, American Human Rights Council, Arab American community, conference Feb. 18, drug abuse, drug addiction, Opiod Addiction

Post navigation

Previous Post: Increasingly Questionable US military presence in the Middle East
Next Post: Anti-BDS laws undermine America’s claim of Freedom

Related Posts

  • Farm Stand foods featured by C. Love Cookie Project. Featured during the third episode of “Elevating Voices,” a new TV series celebrating diversity in Maine businesses. Photo courtesy of Castle PR, Maine
    Lebanese chef among those featured in new TV Series Celebrating Diversity in Maine American Arabs
  • Holy Month of Ramadan celebrated with Medjool Dates American Arabs
  • Yale Law students protest restrictions on Syrian refugees American Arabs
  • Book Cover of The Map of Salt and Stars by author Jennifer Zeynab
    New book explores the Syrian Refugee crisis Arab World
  • Palestinians run in Chicago & California marathons Activism
  • The war is in English and the Arabs are losing Arab World

More Related Articles

White House map of President Trump's Deal of the Century peace plan for Palestine and Israel Five issues threaten Israel’s future security April 18, 2021 Arab World
Abdul El-Sayed with members of the Michigan Women's March in 2017. Photo courtesy of El-Sayed's Facebook Page. El-Sayed eligible to continue run for Michigan Governor American Arabs
Why Smith defeated Tlaib in Michigan legislative Democratic primary American Arabs
American Arab attorney honored by Law Bulletin American Arabs
Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Georgetown Professor pens new book on Arab Culture in Doha Book Review
Will The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Talk with this Senior Correspondent? Arab World

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
    September 27, 2023
  • Ali Mohamed Ahmed Osman Charge d’Affaires Embassy Sudan Tokyo
    The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics
    September 23, 2023
  • Windows at many American Arab owned stores were broken the day after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 14 Americans who "looked' Middle Eastern were murdered in the six months after the terrorism by Americans, most of whom were never prosecuted. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims
    September 11, 2023
  • Magdi A. Mofadal is the ambassador of Sudan to Austria
    Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan
    August 28, 2023
  • grab634.jpg
  • Ziyad-300x300FIndStore.jpg
  • NEWS
  • Iowa Arab American Legislator Sami Scheetz
    ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78
    September 27, 2023
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
    September 27, 2023
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
    September 27, 2023
  • Bavaria non-Alcoholic
    Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award
    September 22, 2023
  • NEWSWIRE
  • American Middle East groups oppose granting Visa Waiver approval to Israel Sept. 27 , 2023
    American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
    September 27, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) the filing of a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.
    CAIR Announces Lawsuit in D.C., Mass., N.J., Mich. Seeking End to Secret Government Watchlist
    September 19, 2023
  • Furquan Ahmed serves as the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Senior Vice Chancellor and President of the Northwest Campus.
    AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees
    September 18, 2023
  • MBC launches new satellite channel focused on Saudi Culture
    Saudis launch new Satellite TV channel dedicated to Saudi Culture
    August 18, 2023

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Events

  • Amer Zahr's 1001 Laughs Palestine Comedy Festival returns in 2023
    Amer Zahr's 1001 Laughs Palestine Comedy Festival returns in 2023
    16 Sep 23
  • Huna al Quds exhibit opens at Museum of the Palestinian People
    Huna al Quds exhibit opens at Museum of the Palestinian People
    29 Sep 23
    Washington D.C.
  • Light in Gaza: Born of Fire Upcoming Book Tour Dates for Portland & Washington State
    Light in Gaza: Born of Fire Upcoming Book Tour Dates for Portland & Washington State
    30 Sep 23
  • US Council of Muslim Organizations to hold 10th anniversary Fundraiser
    US Council of Muslim Organizations to hold 10th anniversary Fundraiser
    15 Oct 23
    Oak Brook
  • Arab American Democratic Club to host 40th Anniversary celebration Nov. 1
    Arab American Democratic Club to host 40th Anniversary celebration Nov. 1
    1 Nov 23
    Bolingbrook

POPULAR POSTS

  • AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees AHRC’s Announces its 2023 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Awardees The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) is pleased to announce its ... posted on September 18, 2023
  • The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics The RSF mutiny's resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics By Ali Mohamed Ahmed ... posted on September 23, 2023
  • Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims Disrespecting the memory of the 2,977 murdered victims of Sept. 11, 2001 by fueling a hatred of Arabs and Muslims ... posted on September 11, 2023
  • Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan By Magdi A. Mofadal Sudan’s partners are sounding the alarm over the deteriorating ... posted on August 28, 2023
  • Arab-American influencers Furrha Family share secrets of their success Arab-American influencers Furrha Family share secrets of their success Salem Furrha and his eight children @theFurrhaFamily on TikTok and Instagram represent ... posted on February 6, 2021
  • Regional and International Stakes in Sudan’s Stability Regional and International Stakes in Sudan’s Stability By Magdi A. Mofadal Sudan has been grappling with the gravest catastrophe in ... posted on July 14, 2023

Recent Posts

  • ‘We Can’t Stop Now’: Sami Scheetz Announces Re-Election Bid for Iowa House District 78
  • American Middle East organizations protest against granting Israel Visa Waiver approval
  • Alderman Lopez helped the Arab Community, now the Arab community should help Ald. Lopez
  • The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics
  • Ziyad Brothers congratulates brewers of Bavaria non-alcoholic beer for receiving international award
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Glory to God int he Lowest by Author Rev. Donald Wagner
    Book Review: Glory to God in the Lowest: journeys to an unholy land
    February 18, 2023
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Comedian Ahmed Ahmed at The Comedy Bar in Chicago June 9 - 11, 2023
    Comedian Ahmed Ahmed performs in Chicago June 9-11, 2023 at The Comedy Bar
    June 9, 2023
  • Ziyad Food item
    Essential recipes and ingredients during Ramadan 
    April 4, 2023
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast
    December 15, 2022
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life
    October 22, 2022
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2023 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme