“I am so happy to be here and doing what I love,” said Lani Jumper, our Open Forum speaker for today.  Lani Jumper is a part of the nonprofit Wake Up Carolina, and works as a peer support specialist for this program. She dedicates her time to help the individuals and families overcome drug and alcohol abuse. She is also Kipper’s aunt!

Wake Up Carolina is a harm reduction outreach coordinator with multiple programs for mom, dads, teens or for anyone who has had a drug addiction or knows a family that hads a drug addiction. It also offers safe space for teens at schools.

Lani told us that WakeUp Carolina was founded in 2020 by a woman named Nanci Shipman who tragically lost her son to opioid addiction. Since then, the organization has helped thousands of people deal with all aspects of substance abuse. WUC has a non twelve-step program called Creighton’s House which provides a safe space for young adults who are in recovery. It sponsors meetings for those dealing with substance abuse along with support groups for their parents, siblings and friends who suffer the effects of addiction as well. Finally, WUC educates churches, schools, businesses, etc. on what’s out there and what to be aware of.

Lani told us the story of five Lucy Middleton School students who wanted to do well on a test. One of them procured black market Adderall from his brother at college. It turns out that the Adderall was fake, and laced with fentynal. The five boys overdosed in the bathroom of their school. Luckily, they all survived but this story is a real wake-up call about how ordinary kids with good intentions can place themselves in danger.

Lani told us about several problematic drugs easily available in Georgetown County at the moment. One is Benadryl, a commonly-used allergy medication. Another is kratom, a substance in small containers that are sold at the convenience store or vape shop without much regulation. The same goes for tianeptine, also known as “gas station heroin.” Finally, Lani mentioned alcohol, whose sale is regulated. However, advertisements that glamorize it are everywhere and for many kids it’s the first drug they try.

Lani’s talk was packed with information and our students asked a lot of questions. One takeaway we learned about was the Good Samaritan Law: You can call the police or 911 if your friend has overdosed and not be prosecuted, even if you were doing illegal drugs or alcohol with them. Also, you can administer Narcan to someone who has overdosed and not fear any legal repercussions.

Thank you Lani, for a great and extremely informative talk!

By Hannah and staff