STATESVILLE, N.C. - TelAve -- It is important to consider the safety and well-being of everyone involved when it comes to employment, especially in sensitive environments like Fifth Street Ministries. Over the past years, Fifth Street Ministries has employed multiple convicted drug felons and addicts in their office. This would not be of concern if the nurse was the one to distribute medications to residents, but it was in fact the office staff that distributed medications and have had access to medications all day and night on every shift. There were an overwhelming number of reports of residents medications being missing completely and residents being given less than their described doses. This is a very disturbing and urgent issue that they did finally address, but their solution leaves the door open for a different disturbing outcome.

Fifth Street Ministries new drug protocol has residents placing their medication in personal lock boxes, leaving residents in the position where they have access to all of their medication at all times and that poses serious risks.

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While this might seem perfectly acceptable since residents are adults, a large percentage of the residents at the shelter are addicts, both recovering and currently using, and individuals with felony drug charges. Allowing them access to narcotic and addictive medication leaves the door wide open for them to abuse the medication, overdose, or share or sell it to others.  Addicts, especially those in recovery do not need the added temptation. We would think Executive Director, Michele Knapp would know this.

Instead of placing added temptation on already struggling individuals would it not be more beneficial to offer them additional forms of support by implementing a protocol that does not put residents at further risk?  Would it not be more conducive to their rehabilitation and continued successful reintegration into society?  Split shift nursing staff so that medication can be distributed properly by a nurse possibly? While we don't claim to have all the answers, senior management at Fifth Street who have access to professionals to consult with can surely come up with something better than putting bottles full of narcotics in the hands of addicts and those in recovery. We urge the Fifth Street Ministries Board Members and the community to get involved, ask the questions and hold those in power accountable.

By focusing on creating a safe, supportive, and drug-free environments for both employees and those seeking assistance, Fifth Street Ministries could better serve the community and foster a culture of recovery and well-being for all individuals involved.