WRIC NOW Special: A discussion about Fighting Fentanyl

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — 8News Anchor Deanna Allbrittin sat down in the WRIC NOW livestreaming studio with Jill Cichowicz, of 2 End the Stigma, and Chelsea Rushbrook, a certified peer recovery specialist, to discuss the fentanyl crisis.

The group discussed a range of topics related to the issue, including sharing some personal stories of tragedy and triumph. Rushbrook spoke about her experience being in long-term recovery and how that has allowed her to connect with others struggling with substance use disorder. And Cichowicz spoke about her advocacy efforts following the death of her brother, Scott Zebrowski, who died from fentanyl poisoning in 2017.

“A lot of these people, like Scott, took fentanyl unknowingly and died,” Cichowicz explained. “Not that one is better than the other … Scott struggled with substance use disorder for years. But what actually took his life was one pill.”

The guests also spoke about the need to raise awareness on the issue and reduce the stigmatization of people with substance use disorder.

For more of 8News’ recent coverage on the fentanyl crisis, visit the Fighting Fentanyl page . More WRIC NOW livestreamed programming can be found here .

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