Drug overdoses is one of the leading causes of death in America today. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) St. Clair County had 66 drug overdose deaths in 2016. Those in surrounding counties including Talladega, Shelby, Jefferson, and Etowah bring this total to 590 over the course of that year.

Ivi Dunnaville has seen the devastating effects of drug abuse first hand as a Certified Abuse Counselor. She is a contracted counselor with New Pathways, St. Clair County Day Program, The Wellhouse, and Fresh Start Recovery Ministries. She has worked with adults and adolescents who continue to battle with alcohol and substance abuse.

Her goal with We Win Recovery is to prevent children from beginning the path to abuse through education and teaching them to make good choices.

“I want to be part of the solution that helps bring this [drug] epidemic to an end,” said Dunnaville. “To be part of the solution I have created a drug awareness and prevention program that educates students, teachers, families and communities about the dangers of drug use and the importance of prevention.”

Dunnaville’s program began in 2017 with presentations to students in 7^th grade and up in the Pell City School System and Ashville Middle School. She would like to introduce the program into every school in St. Clair County. 

“We want to be on the front end to prevent drug abuse and give out as much information as possible,” Dunnaville said. “It’s close to our hearts to get into schools to help as many people as we can.”

Dunnaville partners with TeeJay Wilson, founder and owner of Fresh Start Recovery Ministries, a faith-based 12-month recovery program for men and New Beginnings. Wilson faced his own battle with addiction. After spending time in the St. Clair County Correctional Facility, Wilson decided to change his life and use his experience to help the lives of others.

“I went through the therapeutic community program which gave a sense of belonging,” Wilson said. “It gave a program of recovery and a program to teach.”

When Wilson was released, he became a certified Peer Support Specialist with the state of Alabama and founded Fresh Start Recovery Ministries to help others battling with addiction. 

“It helps me giving back to others,” said Wilson. “So many lives are now dependent on me.”

Seeing those struggling with the aftermath of alcohol and drug addiction inspired Dunnaville and Wilson to focus on prevention, and so far they have seen success with their program.

“Students feel safe and felt open to talk about things,” Dunnaville said. “It requires a lot of people to help. We start with children to empower them with the education of drug and alcohol prevention and to make the best decisions.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Drug Prevention and Awareness program or scheduling a presentation in your local community, school, or church, contact Ivi Dunnaville at 205-227-9293 or email soundrecovery61.3@gmail.com.