Huntingtown, MD – On Thursday, May 31at Marley Run Park in Huntingtown, participants in the Calvert County Adult Treatment Court (ATC) engaged in a friendly competition of kickball with the members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Department. With an ever-increasing opioid epidemic plaguing our community the Calvert County ATC decided to host its first “Kick the Epidemic” kickball event not only to bring about awareness of the opioid problem; but, also, to show that all members of the community can help make a positive change. “’Kick the Epidemic’ is about showing solidarity between two groups of individuals (law enforcement and drug court participants) who were once at odds with each other”, explained Danielle Banyasz, case manager for the ATC.
The game was umpired by the Honorable Mark S. Chandlee, the presiding judge for the Adult Treatment Court, with over 55 participants, sheriffs and family members cheering them on. The game ended in a 6-6 tie, after which everyone enjoyed a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs.
“These types of shared activities make a huge contribution to building and maintaining positive relationships in the community and law enforcement”, said ATC Coordinator Tina Blackistone. With the positive feedback from attendees the ATC is planning to make “Kick the Epidemic” an annual event.