Where In The World Is Michael DeLeon?

“IT’S OFFICIAL…I’m moving to Rehoboth Beach!!”

 
Michael DeLeon just wrapped up ANOTHER busy week! He and Steered Straight’s speakers stayed close to home, as they travelled along the East Coast! Michael and the crew started in NY, and ended their week by the sea, in Delaware! The sun isn’t the only thing blinding eyes around there, because…the future’s so bright, we “gotta wear shades!”

 

On May 24th, Aly and Michael visited Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School!

Later on in the day, they headed back to the junior high school, in order to “teach” their stories with follow-up and curriculum!

A community night in East Setauket, NY, ended the night. There, Aly gave her insight, and Jackie Heinrich Williams shared her story:

On May 25th, there was another incredible community night turnout. (Franklin Township, NJ Community Senior Center):

The next day, Aly and Michael headed to Pine Hill Middle School, in order to discuss healthy life choices!

Steered Straight has the BEST elementary school student program! Head to http://www.steeredstraight.org, so you can invite us to your local school!

Michael and Crystal Vallee headed to Manchester Township Middle School, in NJ, on the the 27th!

Afterwards, Crystal and Michael stopped at Hazlet Middle School, for the “Transitions” program:

On the 28th, Kids Are Dying was presented at the performing arts center, inside the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. In addition, there was a presentation about the opiate and heroin epidemic. We were fortunate enough to have such great people in our presence, including: Brian Davis, Heidi McNeely, Chrissy Ehrhart, Robyn Kolnsberg-Brunetto, and Brad Hoffman and Ruthie Chavis (the two pictured). In spite of the beautiful weather, people joined us for this special, 4-hour long event! A heartfelt thank you goes out to Audrey Affrider, for sharing her compelling story.

Michael ended the week at Delaware Seashore State Park, in Rehoboth, DE. He met up with amazing mother, Karen Vied, in order for her to share her story for “On The Road…” Special thanks goes out to her for being so brave, sharing her incredibly honest story!

• Jessica Osborn, Steered Straight

Jessica_Steered_Straight@yahoo.com

Where In The World Is Michael DeLeon?

“Ok…IT’S OFFICIAL…I’m moving to Lake Wallenpaupek, PA!!!”

 

Michael DeLeon and the Steered Straight crew are at it again! This week, the powerful message was spread along the East Coast! Let’s find out what the “busy bee” is up to now!
On May 17th, Michael was fortunate enough to be in Berlin, NJ. There, he discussed after school programs with the Berlin PD!

Later that day, a “Road To Recovery” episode was aired featuring Lyle Fried:

On May 18th, Steered Straight made the yearbook in Indiana with speaker Scott Mitchell included!

On Wednesday evening Christine presented our annual Steered Straight Citizenship Scholarship at the Cumberland County College to Jordan Chester, a Cumberland Regional High School graduate who will be attending the college in the fall working towards a degree in Social Work.

Michael’s next stop? PASCACK High School, in Montville, NJ where Aly Amour, Steered Straight speaker, helped Michael spread a powerful lesson to be learned regarding CHOICES!

The task force went “all out” to gather the public, and created a billboard!

Wayne and Pike counties communities gathered, showing support to end the scourge of drugs:

Since Michael is fortunate enough to be a trustee at Cumberland County College, he was able to witness graduation on May 19th!

On May 20th, Steered Straight speaker, Sarah Kennedy shared her story of losing a family member to addiction.

Also that day, Charlene and Monica Maycott, spread awareness by teaching their compelling story to students at Delsea Regional Middle School!

Meanwhile, Michael attended Relay For Life, as he continues to thank God for being a two-time cancer survivor!

Speaker Matthew Maher and Michael, talking strategy at the MercyMe concert:

Michael, with wife, Darla, and Bart Millard (MercyMe):

– Jessica Osborn, Steered Straight

Jessica_Steered_Straight@yahoo.com

Where In The World Is Michael DeLeon?

“It’s OFFICIAL….I’m moving to Boston!!!”

Michael DeLeon just wrapped up ANOTHER busy week! From starting the week in New Jersey, to ending it in Boston (who DOESN’T want to go where everybody knows your name, once in a while!?) the inspiration leader hit this week right out of the park!

 

Michael kicked off the week with Alyson Amour, at Hillsborough High school!

Later on that night, Michael discussed SOLUTIONS, at the Parent & Community Night event – SPECIAL thanks to Mary Tyson for helping make the night such a success!

On Wednesday, May 11th, Michael was still in NJ. Alongside John Fuqua, Michael spread the Steered Straight message on to students in South Plainfield!

After making an impact in the local schools, Michael wrapped up yet another Road To Recovery taping! There, he sat down with Michele Goodwin, Lakehaven Recovery’s clinical therapist

The day ended with an extraordinary opportunity! Michael sat with wife, Darla, asking important questions…on Anderson Cooper’s special, Prescription Addiction, on CNN live!

On May 13th, Michael headed to Manalapan, NJ, with Steered Straight speaker, Crystal Vallee!

Meanwhile, Aly Amour and John Fuqua were sharing their inspirational stories at Dwight Morrow High School, in Englewood, NJ!

Michael with Sanjay Gupta and Sarah Anker

Dr. Drew Pinksy

Jessica Osborn, Steered Straight

Jessica_Steered_Straight@yahoo.com

Where In The World Is Michael DeLeon?

“Ok, IT’S OFFICIAL…I’m moving to Las Vegas!!!!”

That’s right, THE Michael DeLeon, of STEERED STRAIGHT, was in “SIN CITY!!” As tempting as it was, he passed up the opportunity to impersonate Elvis Presley in a drive-thru wedding chapel. Instead, he took his special mission on the road, spreading Steered Straight’s powerful message! Yet again, the inspirational leader is on the move, so sit back and enjoy the show….uh thank you, thank you very much!! 😉
Michael started the week off, with a busy day on the set of “Road To Recovery”, as he sat down with Alicia Hermann and her daughter Ashley. When it airs on May 2nd, you’ll see living proof, that Narcan CAN save a life! Michael says, “Narcan is the most important tool to have, when we have loved ones using and/or suffering.”

Following Alicia and Ashley, Michael and wife Darla sat down with Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno.

The busy, rewarding day on the set ended with the incredible recovery story of Andrew Assini.

On April 26th, the day started with the amazing Lyle Fried and James Boozan on a taping of “Road To Recovery.”

Our new website has been launched! Check it out here: 

http://www.steeredstraight.org/

On April 27th, Michael thanked God for the amazing opportunity to speak in Las Vegas, at a huge conference. There, he had the chance to share his newest movie, in addition to meeting mentor/author Jack Canfield!

*A special thank you goes out to Dana Horta, for all the hard work and dedication!*

 

Michael with Rich Little!

While Michael was busy in Las Vegas, dusting off his blue suede shoes, Steered Straight NJ speakers were on the move!
*Many thank you’s go out to the dedicated Steered Straight NJ team: Aly, Crystal Ann, And John!*

Right before the “busy bee” boarded a plane, Michael made a stop in Pennsylvania. Michael was grateful he was able to attend the Overdose Awareness Walk, personally thanking Christine and Monica of Steered Straight NJ, for setting up and gaining a great turnout!

• Jessica Osborn

You can catch “Road To Recovery” every Tuesday on Comcast 22 WACP channel 4 Philly, but you can ALWAYS watch episodes at http://www.snjtoday.com

Underage Drinking

“During the last 30 days, 26.4% of underage persons (aged 12-20) used alcohol. Binge drinking among the same age group was 17.4%. Alcohol use remains extremely widespread among today’s teenagers.” – SAMHSA & NIDA

“Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug, among youth in the U.S.” – CDC

Bringing a child into this world is the biggest commitment you can take on. When the child is born, we are full of emotions: fear, happiness, love, and elation. In addition to those overwhelming feelings, we think – “Am I going to be a good enough mom/dad?” “Will I be able to protect them until the day I die?” Naturally, the actual FEAR doesn’t kick in, until the baby becomes a teenager – asking if she can go to Rebecca’s sleepover next door. What if there will be drinking? What if the responsible chaperone thinks it’ll be ok to let them have “JUST ONE DRINK” if they keep their eyes on them? Your child may be right next door, but when you’re rushing your 15 year-old to the E.R. for alcohol poisoning, THAT is when it hits home.

**For a complete outline of safety precautions, to shield your child from alcohol, visit the Surgeon General website. You may also find helpful tips on the Institute of Medicine website**

Here are the startling statistics:

•Excessive drinking is responsible for more than 4,300 deaths among underage youth each year.

•Persons aged 12-20 years old drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States. More than 90% of this is all consumed in the form of binge drinking.

•On average, underage drinkers consume more drinks per drinking occasion than adult drinkers.

•In 2010, there were approximately 189,000 E.R. visits by persons under the age of 21 for injuries and other conditions linked to alcohol.

•Youth who start drinking before the age of 15, are SIX TIMES MORE LIKELY to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after the age of 21.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2013) (Within the last 30 days of the survey)

35% Drank SOME amount of alcohol

21% Binge drank

10% Drank alcohol then drove

22% Rode with a drunk driver

In 2013, National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported:

Within the last 30 days of the current survey, 23% (ages 12-20) of the participants drank alcohol. 14% of those surveyed, admitted they were binge drinking.

Signs your child has an alcohol dependency problem:

• Higher absences from school
• Lower grade scores/failing classes
• Fighting with their peers
• No interest in after school activities
• Arrested for a physical fight

Dangers of alcohol dependency:

• Rape (being taken advantage of in other sexual ways)
• Unprotected sexual acts
• Higher risk of teen pregnancy
• Higher risk for suicide/homicide due to depressed mindset
• Car accidents
• Memory problems
• Abuse of other drugs
• Death due to alcohol poisoning

– Jessica Osborn

References: http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm

Where In The World Is Michael DeLeon?

“It’s OFFICIAL…I’m moving to Clinton County, PA!!!!”

Michael DeLeon is at it again, spreading Steered Straight’s powerful message! Starting out in Clinton County, PA with the eager Aly (Steered Straight speaker), to ending the week with a packed high school gymnasium…let’s see what the busy inspirational leader has been up to all week!

Starting out with Monday, April 18th, Michael and Aly didn’t waste time when it came to the cardinal rule: “you gotta have a java!!” Of course they sat down at the best coffee shop, Avenue 209, to prepare for their busy, five-presentation-day!

Still in Lock Haven, PA, Michael and Aly head to the local radio station. There, they discussed the up-and-coming Pennsylvania expansion!

Following, they head to Clinton County Correctional Facility. Aly and Michael heard how the inmates there have recently lost sight of their dreams, straying “out of their lane.” Michael and Aly brought the Steered Straight message to them, as it was evident their motivation was in dire need. Michael addressed the importantce of facing addiction in jail, saying “We need to get to the point…we don’t need to keep expanding or building new jails. LET’S CLOSE SOME!”

Later in the evening, Michael and Aly head to the Clinton County Court House. In the court house, they shared their stories, spreading HOPE and INSPIRATION, to the entire community!

Ending the night, Michael escorted wife, Darla, to The Beacon Theater. There, they celebrated LIFE, with some of their favorite people on “The Bible Tour 2016!”

On April 19th, “busy bee” Michael DeLeon, finally had a chance to sit down! Frank Greenagel, of Frank Greenagel Counseling Services, LLC., was the latest guest on “Road To Recovery.”

A long, busy (but definitely worth it) week came to a close on April 21st. In Keyport, NJ, Crystal Ann (speaker for Steered Straight) and Michael visited the local middle and high schools. Michael stressed to the 4th and 5th graders, that bullying is NEVER acceptable. At Keyport High School, Michael and Crystal Ann shared their stories – to students living in a county where the drug overdose rate is FOUR TIMES the national average (Monmouth County).

Ending the night, Michael, Aly, and Christine went back to Keyport High’s gymnasium! Parents and the community came out in order to hear solutions to keep their children away from alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. As the parents found out that night: Keeping adolescents away from drinking, and smoking marijuana/tobacco, reduces illicit drug use as a young adult.

 

– Jessica Osborn

Jessica_Osborn22@yahoo.com

What Are Pill Mills?

A “pill mill” is a doctor’s office, clinic, or health care facility that routinely conspires in the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances outside the scope of the prevailing standards of medical practice in the community – or violates the laws of the state of Florida, regarding the prescribing or dispensing of controlled prescription drugs.

I had a conversation with Steered Straight Florida’s director, Maureen Kielian, and she opened up about her personal struggles, as much as she opened up about her passionate beliefs.

In the midst of our conversation, Maureen expressed her concern, right off the bat: “The overdose percentage in Florida is 30% higher, since the height of the “pill mills” operation.” Also, she finds it completely appalling that a “pill mill” physician is allowed to continue their practice of medicine, for up to 2 and a half years, until their case “may” be heard by the FL medical boards. Citizen complaints are routinely dismissed. Even after their case is finished, they get a “slap on the wrist,” then go back to their office, distributing more pills for their patients to get addicted to. Very few license revocations or suspensions occur in FL.

“Nothing can be abused, UNTIL AFTER IT IS PRESCRIBED,” Maureen expressed many times, with such angst and matter-of-fact in her tone of voice. Honestly, she is right. As she continued on with her personal belief’s, I couldn’t help but incessantly concur. People who aren’t completely in the know of the corruption of the “pill mills,” are quick to dismiss the physician, blaming the patient’s addiction solely on the patient. After all, the physician knows best, right? After all, they have the degree to show for it, right? Wrong. Since when was there a degree in becoming the lead physician of a “pill mill”? And why do physicians continue to this day, to over prescribe narcotics, when data shows that the risks far outweigh the benefits?

Maureen urges, “STOP BLAMING THE PATIENT.” Continuing with, “Why are we being told to lock up our medicine cabinets? NO! Why are we even prescribed these dangerous, excessive amounts of pills, in order for us to feel as if we SHOULD lock up our medicine cabinets?” Well, guess what, Maureen? I agree with that statement 100%, and there are thousands more who can coincide with that statement, as well. Ultimately, the message Maureen wants spread all over the world, as she participates in silent strikes, is: “Addiction should be treated like chest pain. Every single time someone walks into a hospital, the stigma of addiction makes one discriminate. Even though they have a disease, it doesn’t make them less important than a person with chest pain. A patient with chest pains are walking into the hospital, fearing death. In retrospect, an addict is walking into a hospital fearing the same thing – both expecting help. How can you keep one, but then let the other go, knowing they could die?”

Maureen started talking about her son, who has been battling with addiction for years, and I couldn’t help but sympathize. Beings her son, John, has a father who battled addiction, she knew the chances of him repeating his dad’s history was very likely. Maureen tried everything in her power, from: signing John up for basketball, to urging him on the swim team…he was great at swimming, but John still felt inadequate. Much to Maureen’s dismay, he ultimately succumbed to the monster of addiction’s persuasion. John started smoking marijuana and attending “pill parties.” Before long, he was a full-blown addict. Little did Maureen know at this time, that FOUR “pill mills” were located within ONE MiLE of their home. Eventually, John realized he should get help – which led to a relapse, a dangerous detox, and a hiking trip that started in Georgia and ended in Maine (Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker).

Proudly, John conquered his addiction to pills, but shortly after his hiking trip, he started to abuse alcohol. Not long after his alcohol addiction became full-blown, John relapsed on pills again. FINALLY, John surrendered, and traded in the drugs for Suboxone. Maureen reported that John hasn’t gone back to drugs, since initiation of suboxone 3weeks ago.

– Jessica Osborn

 

(BELOW: MAUREEN WITH SON JOHN)

Kids Are Dying

A raw documentary that took two years to complete, is still capturing audience’s attention- three years after its release.

Kids Are Dying digs deep into the core of addiction, all the while tugging at the heartstrings. Michael DeLeon was on a mission: “Addiction can happen to anyone, and we have kids out there dying.” Troubled by the rising death toll attributable to the escalating drug epidemic, Michael pounded the pavement in search of those suffering, hopeful he could help them, and hopeful he could reach thousands with this powerful message.

It is often misconstrued that only, ‘the bad kids do drugs,’ but in this documentary, you will see just how ill-informed that statement is. As one person in the documentary claims, “It isn’t biased; it can happen to anyone at any time. Addiction can take you from, Park Avenue, to park bench.” Whether you live in the suburbs, or in ‘the bad part of town,’ addiction can hit close to home, or even worse- IN YOUR HOME.

Unfortunately, not all of those who participated in the documentary, are here with us today. As sad as that fact is, there are survivors; and I had the pleasure of speaking with one of them – Dorothy Sword. Michael met Dorothy when she was strolling the streets of Camden – homeless, shoeless, and broke. Today, Dorothy is so proud of her accomplishments: having her own apartment for the first time, keeping a steady job, and yes, she is proud she has her own bills to pay! Within ten seconds of beginning my conversation with Dorothy, I knew she didn’t take one breath (or bill), for granted. She was living a life that she never thought she’d have, and she explained, “I have Michael to thank. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be alive today.” Then adding, “He gave me money for a pair of shoes, and I didn’t think I was worth any attention from anybody.” As our conversation continued, she had me tearing up, as I was overcome with pride for this amazing woman.

During the documentary, Michael asked her where she saw herself in a year. Her reply, “Hopefully dead.” Dorothy’s pain was so immense as she suffered on the inside. Michael showed her just how much worth she really had; and with incessant support from him and loving words of encouragement from her family (especially her aunt, uncle, and parents), she now wakes up thankful to see another day.

Dorothy’s message: “If I can do it, you can do it. You could get anything out life, you just have to want it.”

• Jessica Osborn

DOROTHY SWORD NOW:

The Latest Drug That Has Parents On High Alert

Dimethyltryptamine, or “DMT”: A psychedelic compound of the tryptamine family. It is a structural analog of seratonin and melatonin and a functional analog of other psychedelic tryptamines.

Historically, it has been consumed by indigenous Amazonian Indian cultures through the extraction of the root bark of Mimosa tenuiflora and its consumption of ayanuasca for divinatory and healing purposes.

“DMT” is a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and it is classified as this, because there is no proof of long term abuse when experimented with.

Recently, it was brought to my attention, by a relative in the family, that “DMT” has become relatively widespread in her high school. Upon asking her further questions, beings I have never heard of this said drug, she stated “It’s like a “trippy” drug; you start having hallucinations, but it puts you in a paralyzed state. A lot of teens were curious and each one that had tried it, so far, said they’d do it again if asked (maybe at a party or something.” Hearing all of this had me utterly appalled. With each in-depth answer to the questions I gave her, the more baffled I was becoming. A drug that you can’t easily get “hooked on”? Going around in local high schools, none the less? I asked a few parents of teenagers, locally in the Cape May County area, if they heard about this. All of the parents I asked, looked at me, as if I had 4 heads. Each parent had the same reaction: worried that their teenager would want to experiment more and more, and/or with different drugs- feeling invincible, as that particular drug they experiment with (DMT), has no long-term side affects.

In a study, one person cmaimed seeing “elves or little people” in the beginning of their trip.

Short-Term Effects:

High blood pressure

Pupils larger in diameter

Hallucinations

Sweaty or “clammy” hands

Dry mouth

*PLEASE BE ADVISED*

Not ALL of those who participated in the study experienced the same symptoms. Some, in fact, didn’t feel anything.

Always remember: conversation with your young adult, especially over dinner, has proven to be the most effective when expressing concerns & when trying to establish a more trusting relationship.

• JESSICA OSBORN

Stats Rising In Indiana

In a recent survey, teens who use drugs, went from 27% to 38%, in a matter of 12 short months. 13.8% of the students surveyed, admitted using drugs and alcohol, in order to relax, and/or to “fit in” with their peers. 17% willingly admitted to using drugs/alcohol DURING school.

 

Matt Hayes, with the Hamilton Center in Sullivan County says, “We have a lot of our youth that are having problems with drugs in general.” He also added, “teens are easily finding new ways and new drugs to abuse.”

 

An Indiana State Police Trooper stated, “While they’re in your house, while they’re your teenagers, while they’re driving your cars, while they’re participating in activities in your home, then you need to make sure you’re vigilant on knowing what they’re doing.”

 

Ever since expanding to Indiana, under the management of our Steered Straight Indiana director, Michelle Standeford, we have made an exceptional impact on the students we had the privilege to help. As blessed as we are, to be steadily on the move, encouraging today’s youth to, “Stay in your lane,” we want to get that message out to EVERYONE!

 

Reading these statistics, really makes us feel as if God brought us to the right state, at the right time. Not just Indiana’s youth, but youth ALL OVER THE WORLD, should hear Steered Straight’s message!

– Jessica Osborn

 

If you are interested in Steered Straight Indiana coming to YOUR school SOON, please contact Michelle Standeford, at: stayingalive0831@gmail.com