MEMPHIS, Tennessee – A family uses the death of their child to raise awareness about drug addiction and highlight a program that spent years trying to help their child stay clean.
James Cody Williams died of a fentanyl overdose in January. He was a client at Safe Point Memphis, which is part of the Memphis Area Prevention Coalition. The organization helped him several times through its needle exchange program. James’ family held a memorial on Wednesday afternoon at one of the exchange sites.
“He always cared about other people and tried to help them. Even with his illness, because it was an illness,” David Williams said. “He loved his daughter, he tried to teach her from the day he was born and he misses her a lot. They were best friends.”
James was 32 years old when he died and was an only child. He left behind his eight-year-old daughter. Her daughter now has no parents because her mother died in a car accident when she was 14 months old. David said James had been battling addiction for 16 years. The addiction began when his best friend died.
“I had an illness, I didn’t want it,” David said. “He told me many times and tried to come down.”
James was in and out of rehab, but chose to become homeless because he was not allowed to do drugs in the house. While living on the street, Safe Point became his extended family.
“James was a special customer of ours. He was also very happy,” said Austin Carroll, coordinator of Safe Point’s syringe service program. “Always so happy to see us. He was here every Wednesday.”
Every Wednesday, Safe Point offers an anonymous needle exchange. Carroll said James had new needles on Wednesdays. The group establishes a connection with their clients, because when people show up for new needles, they also walk away with damage reduction supplies, Narcan, condoms, and can be tested for HIV. David said that because of this service, they were also able to check on their son several times.
“When we introduce ourselves week after week and are consistent when we build trust and relationship with our customers, it’s much easier for them to ask for help,” Carroll said. “It’s much easier for them to look for treatment.”
There is controversy over needle exchange programs. Some people think the program allows users, but Carrol said the program has helped more than 100 people receive treatment since 2019.
“They want to help. They’re good people and they want to help badly,” David said.
According to the Shelby County Department of Health, more than 46 people died due to a suspected overdose last week and 359 this year. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the national addiction helpline at 1800-662-4357.
???? NEEDLE EXCHANGE TODAY‼ ️ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. – (Anonymous and confidential) ⏰ 13:00 – 15:00 ???? 28 N. Claybrook St. Memphis …
Posted by Safe Point on Wednesday, September 22, 2021
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