Saving Boone County: Fighting For Lives In A Place Ravaged By Opioids | NBC Nightly News

Tucked into the Appalachian valleys of West Virginia, Boone County was once home to jobs like coal mining. But as those jobs disappeared, the community struggled and drugs took hold. NBC’s Kate Snow explores how the locals, including the drug court judge, are trying to save lives.
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Saving Boone County: Fighting For Lives In A Place Ravaged By Opioids | NBC Nightly News

[@Dick_Weasel]

That judge is one of a kind. If only there were more like him

[@amandah.2202]

Yes so many of them have no clue what the struggles are

[@asimhusain8087]

Let's face it there all lawyers, many quite frankly are horrible people.

[@gojudude]

There are many like him.

[@jasonharwood8878]

As an attorney having been in that courtroom on numerous occasions, Judge Thompson and attorney Scott Briscoe are true public servants. Great that their hard work is being recognized.

[@samanthab1923]

When he said he's placed kids with great grandparents I got chills. You can see how it's affected him.

[@marines0001]

yea really then go after the big fish that started the problem!!!!!!

[@timmyjones1921]

I was stationed at Virginia Beach VA Army Base started dating a cute 19 y/o Angelic only to find out she & her father a E-9 retired Sgt. was pumping 300 million dollars of cocaine/heroin into the Virginia Bch VA community using Bar Lounge Grill as a front where he was a master chef I decided to end our relationship after 9 months Angelic ended up in prison and her father died in prison the white dude with wealthy beach property and boats and lear jets he was sentenced to 9 months in the county jail all the people of color was sentenced to 25 years to 30 years to life .

[@marines0001]

@@timmyjones1921 so the guy with the money and layers got away with it not always race. not saying it is not possible but the money and layers makes sense

[@truthbtoldwright6411]

@@timmyjones1921 yep, sounds about Wyite. Long or life prison sentences for blacks and rehab for whites. When blacks complain about the contrast in sentences for whites they are told to shut up and stop playing the race card.😩

[@brandiequick4501]

The world needs more judges and lawyers like these two gentlemen.

[@bruceleehee9267]

Small town good hearted folks

[@tammymoss7853]

That judge gets it . need more folks like him ,God bless him

[@honeybunch5765]

"Not a place you move to, it's a place you are born in" How sad, it is so beautiful.

[@Professional_street_hustler]

Being from West Virginia and not to far from Boone county I will always love West Virginia but I have to leave.

[@TheWtQueen]

Same as where I grew up..Harlan County KY.

[@lucyvandervort6191]

West Virginia IS beautiful. Unfortunately it's the first or second poorest state in the country. Outside interests have been ravaging and then making profits off WV's resources for generations, and the local people receive none of the benefits. All of that profit is taken out of West Va and kept in private hands.

[@dynagaming2693]

@@lucyvandervort6191 West Virginia is one of the most beautiful states I've ever travelled through / worked in, and you guys are literally in my "back yard" (I live in PA). It's a shame because not only is it beautiful, it has some of the most generous people you'd ever meet. It's a shame that the state has been exploited for both political reasons (both parties are guilty of this), and also the exploitative coal companies that continue to string the people along with false promises they never deliver on.

[@dragonsbreathe2164]

So inbreeding

[@Anthony-eg7pw]

Drug court saved my life..I’ll forever be grateful that program exists

[@amandah.2202]

Wow that’s something I thought I would never hear !!! Good for you

[@Anthony-eg7pw]

@@amandah.2202 ya absolutely....was a huuuge second chance that they didn’t have to give me.

[@BrianCarnevaleB26]

Happy for you. Stay sober. almost nine years for me, it is a wonderful feeling, being sober successful and happy.

[@Anthony-eg7pw]

@@BrianCarnevaleB26 appreciate that! Congrats. I def like it on this side better...

[@slickrick2420]

@@Anthony-eg7pw But doesn't drug court end up on your criminal record... That holds you back in the job market. That should change

[@evesperspective7662]

Thank you so much for shining the light on LOVE instead of FEAR. What an amazing man Judge Thompson is knowing that the people need to know they do matter.....everyone single one of them. This touched my spirit and made it soar. Love one another.

[@Goseyman]

Grew up here but left at 16. My brother unfortunately stayed with his dad and became an addict. It's very sad.

[@ARTWV]

I grew up in Roane county poor with no indoor plumbing but we always managed to have food and a roof over our head thanks to my great parents. I moved away at 20 years old and it’s been 25 years since. I had a great childhood running around in the mountains and just loving the woods and the animals. It will always be home. God Bless West Virginia and go Mountaineers!

[@christinagonzalez4022]

God Bless this Judge & this attorney, how selfless they are... They could be working anywhere else but they choose to be home & help the community... 👏👏👏👏👏🌷🌷

[@ivy_caine5302]

It’s hard to believe a judge like that exists. I wish there were more💕

[@wendi2819]

On Netflix there's a story called Heroin/Heroine about a female judge, fire chief and outreach worker doing an amazing job in Huntington WV where there is a huge opiad problem in a greater metro-area of 284,000 people. Oxycontin changed so many small towns into drug dens.

[@pamelahomeyer748]

When people cannot afford homes and feel they have no future they are more likely to dive into drugs. Also the pharmaceutical company has done their part to keep people addicted

[@tedfedders2069]

Big Pharma aka Pharma Mafia is the winner in this Opiate addiction crisis. First they get you hooked on pills...Then they have more pills/drugs for you to take to get you off the pills they gave you. Big Pharma is going to destroy this country. $$$ is what they are all about.😣👎👎

[@jlbreedloveable]

...and our state leaders excepting bribes from outside interest 💰

[@leahl9504]

Amen

[@maryshaffer8474]

One of the KZbin Homeless video ers says its such a hard life being homeless, many take drugs to get through each day.

[@montesa9136]

Sometimes Drugs are the only sensible option! I've suffered for over 63 years with Major Depressive Disorder! I Never feel Joy or Contentment in life! There is no cure! The only two options for people like me is Drugs or Suicide! There are millions of people like me. Sad but true!

[@scottthomas3792]

If every courtroom in the country had people like that judge, we would be much better off...

[@conjurerwoman9726]

They are lucky to have a good man in a Judge willing to give them a chance to rebuild their lives. I wish there were more programs like this.

[@DerekCastle]

Conjurer Woman this judge is just putting on for this documentary. Please

[@gskessingerable]

What do you know Derkie? You're nothing but a clown.

[@rdtindall45]

@@gskessingerable Hey gary stop being the typical American and criticizing somebody because the question a video. Would you be so positive if they where talking about Detroit, Toledo ohio, flint? I bet you wouldnt

[@gskessingerable]

@@rdtindall45 Hey Afrikka your reply doesn't even make any sense. Perhaps because you have crap for brains.

[@rdtindall45]

@@gskessingerable your dumber then I thought

[@paullekoduk4428]

God-bless you judge You show your mercy to people when you will meet your heavenly father He will have mercy on you

[@tammystegall5130]

That judge is a fine man ! He has a heart and he's wise .

[@irvingr.fatback886]

He shot five under par. That’s not good.

[@lisar5142]

What an amazing Judge, love from Ireland

[@jpprice1479]

This place was much different before pills were dumped here. The people jumped at any opportunity to get together. Now, it feels like a community of strangers. I believe practically everyone who still lives here is here because their family lives here and they don't feel like they have anyplace else to go. The only future here is watching everything good we once knew decay even further. And I believe that fact is what truly drives the people here into the arms of dope. No community can survive the plague of hopelessness.

[@danielbooth9995]

Yup. No good jobs, nothing to do. I couldn't get a decent job until I left WV and that makes me sad just to think about it. The state is so beautiful and it has so much potential but it has slowly and steadily declined to where it is today.

[@tylerballard4170]

Our poor state is just so ravaged by this drug epidemic. Up here in Parkersburg it is just as bad. I like what this guy is doing. We only need about 500 more of him....

[@ildairyfarmer2436]

😢 I’m not even a crier, but this story really touched me

[@deborahbumgarner6510]

I absolutely love this guy and his work. Thank you for not giving up. You and your staff are amazing.

[@jonsmith6088]

Need more judges like is one he putting life's and family's back together RESPECT for real

[@evelong9284]

They're blessed to have such a wonderful man.

[@jaelynn7575]

What ticks me off is that we have the medications to get people off heroin, and they are not being given out. Legalizing cannabis would help millions, it would also help alcoholics. The main thing though is to take the addict out of their environment for at least 6 months, have them delete all people from their phone that use or sell.

[@jaridkeen123]

Talk to Republicans they are the one the ruined America with there war on drugs policy that put 100 million Americans in jail and there war on Poverty by putting poor people in jail. They created the situation we are in. Want change? Vote Democrat

[@sammyjean5131]

Jarid Gaming Yes because the Democrats social policies haven’t totally helped the opioid crisis? Seriously if you want all of us to be opioid stricken idiots vote democratic.

[@ginonunez6954]

Jarid Gaming Vote 3rd party, the 2 party system is what led to these issues

[@gladebrosi6587]

Everyone is smoking marijuana there. Access to marijuana isn’t the issue

[@2jcward]

I tried to smoke marijuana to relieve opioid withdrawal, but it didn't work. Actually made things worse for me.

[@destinyranee8300]

God bless that judge he’s helped so many in our state his heart is so big! ❤️

[@justleavinglifeonedayatati6073]

That judge is a good man God bless him for what he's doing!!! And pray for all the ones that are having a hard time with drug addiction!!!

[@edwinmcnew4389]

That’s a wonderful judge! We need more of this!

[@b.a.brackus6371]

God bless this Judge...a True public servant!

[@DerekCastle]

B.A. Brackus this judge is just putting on I’ve lived here 32 years

[@susansparanormalpennsylvan81]

this is so sad, because west virginia is one of the prettiest places i have visited

[@chicofrijoles]

Great judge! I wish we had one like him in my county! Our judge sucks!

[@imalright1752]

God bless this judge.. a compassionate man that’s actually making a effort to better his community ❤

[@davidnewcomb2431]

The city officials have huge hearts!!! You can tell they really love their community

[@hollymartens8059]

As a recovering 20 year opiate addict, I recognize that relapse is a common part of recovery. Don't give up on these people. I am so grateful for those who stood by me. I wouldn't be here without their patience and love. Addiction is a symptom of something larger. We try and self-diagnose and self-treat our inner, often invisible, wounds and scars. These people in Appalachia have been exploited for multiple generations. The geographic isolation, the lack of economic stability, the only way for many to support their families is by performing exceptionally dangerous and frightening work as a coal miner. A life of despair and hopelessness is very susceptible to opiate addiction. My prayers go out to everyone in this community and to everyone suffering the slavery of drug addiction.

[@melindathomas21]

That judge is a PRIME EXAMPLE OF LOVE, AND COMPACTION

[@galegrazutis964]

I think you mean COMPASSION!?

[@karenjewell6543]

@@galegrazutis964 😜 best spell check mistake ever

[@galegrazutis964]

@@karenjewell6543 😁

[@a.walters123]

Addiction is unlike any other affliction. Relapses can be in the dozens, even the hundreds. You can’t penalize the person, relapse is part of a disease, an unavoidable one. Sometimes it take a year or relapses, sometimes a decade, but eventually there’s that “aha” moment that sticks. All you can do in the meantime is support and counsel that person.

[@danielcoleman4807]

I agree. America has the lock em up and throw away the key attitude. If we looked at Europe we could learn its a medical problem not a criminal problem.

[@danielponiatowski7368]

i been on for somthing like 35yr and one thing i've seen over an over is peoples attitude towards drug use. if your a live addict your scum but as soon as you die your the poor afflicted victim of a terrible drug addiction. that judge and his people have turned that around. nice to see.

[@moondog9086]

@@danielcoleman4807 Yes. It's also sad to see how some ppl blame these people. It's great to see more positive, educated, and compassionate comments than bad. I really believe that some people don't understand that we all don't possess the same coping skills, and that is one key point that I think is part of the problem. The people who know that self medicating to numb emotional pain is the only coping mechanism they have, get it. Not everyone feels euphoric or gets a good high from the same drug. Alcohol is a drug when abused, and can be much worse, yet it's legal, & very attainable. Our system is faulty on many levels. Respect for that Judge.

[@itsjustmyopinionbut1671]

Not to be confused with Boone, Nc which is also in Appalachia. Tbh this is a major issue is most all of Appalachia though

[@pissedoffamerican.]

@@SolemnDrip a pill bottle rattling is a mating call in boone county ky

[@shena1256]

The Sheckler family should have to fund these kind of programs not tax payers who are struggling themselves. Let's hold the accountable for what they have done all over this country.

[@ukanduet3209]

Judge Thompson, you are the greatest judge I have ever seen. May God Bless you!

[@howey935]

Every court in the country needs a judge like him.

[@ronaldmercer9616]

I live in West Virginia and love it, not native but moved here after leaving the military, coal is an outdated resource and until this state realizes that and takes advantage of it's true tourism aspect, this will continue, unfortunately this is a mute point as the governor owns mines and the senators family work for pharmaceutical companies

[@brodriguez5057]

I moved here from New York of all places. Granted I live in the Eastern Panhandke region of the state, WV has been nothing but to me and my wife and kids.

[@hollimanflooringinc]

We need more people in this world like that man

[@Guizambaldi]

Another option is to just move. Sometimes I don't get people insisting in staying. I'm not talking about addicts, but those who are still mentally well but financially broken, but insists in staying there. We have to go where the job is, not expect the jobs to come.

[@Ephesians5-14]

Wow, conflict of interest much?!

[@fordrac1ng81]

You gotta have coal to make steel. Very few natural gas furnaces can make steel in this country and it's also a resource that get mined.

[@TheFlungpoo23]

We need more Judges like this. What an amazing person who’s tackling the epidemic the right way!!! These people don’t know how lucky they are to have such a wonderful person looking out for them. This is how the law should be, not judging but helping addicts.

[@kymberlypayne163]

I’m a product of drug court in West Monroe Louisiana . Judge Sharon Marchman was my Judge and she was tuff . Her Husband is one of us and we taught her a lot . I Thank God foe Drugcourt . I am 11 yrs sober and it was worth the effort I put into Drug Court .

[@JennAmazed]

Congratulations! Well done!

[@jpprice1479]

Kierston and Tyler, I'm very proud of you both!

[@semiramismunoz8948]

Thank you judge for caring

[@et734]

What a great person that judge is...

[@1Elicitg]

All efforts of what a Community’s about, thankful for the hood in humans who honestly care. I wish everyone the best in this video.

[@for-real-countrygirl4192]

This judge is amazing. God bless him

[@findingbigfootwithbothhand507]

It's so sad to see so many honest, hard-working people stuck in poverty with no chance for upward mobility, drugs, theft, violence, health issues, unemployment etc.

[@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484]

Weird how y’all have so much sympathy for white people …when black people face the exact same issue you have a problem with it

[@bigbossman7991]

This is what makes me smile. I like this guy, a lot!

[@jillnoe20]

So much respect for this man..

[@Chris-hm4sn]

Great to see a judge who cares. Wish we had more like him

[@laurabays1]

I'm from Boone. I don't go back home for this reason. The family I have out there either are on drugs, or are the ones that get robbed all the time. You can call the police, and nothing happens. The ones that do get locked up, get right back out. The laws need to be harsher, a bigger better police force (they actually show up when you call), treatment centers that are near by, and more ways of having a source of income. It really is sad. I remember having so much fun on the river, as a child in Boone. Now I don't even want to take my kid's back to visit.

[@bubhunt420mfr]

Needles on the river bank Needles on the play grounds Needles n parking lot

[@bondoly66]

Go back and make a difference or shut up. Hypocrite.

[@jakesuper6447]

There needs to be jobs and we need a system that works for the working class not the bourgeoisie We dont need draconian laws that punish drug addicts

[@markmury6934]

Great great story. Lot of good people out there who want to help. Judge is impressive.

[@xwrtk]

I know someone who is from Boone county. Lives there when not away at college. There’s still a drug problem.

[@dansellers7993]

We need more judge's like him.He tries to make these people they are better people than and worthy.

[@joshprice1350]

What a wonderful man,,,wow!!!!

[@joeymcquilkin3670]

Bless that judge and that attorney and everyone affected here, this is truly touching and a small shining light amidst this awful addiction

[@daltonschannel8405]

Don't know why but I've always wanted to visit boon county. Just something about it.

[@michelleprince6133]

daltons channel I’ll guarantee you’ll love it.

[@TwinmomFamof6]

Thank God for people that continue to help and not give up on you. ❤

[@ruckanitepreacher5618]

Judge you are my new Hero. I pray for Gods richest blessings on you and your family. Pastor Mark Staples Calion,Ark. Love your state!

[@for-real-countrygirl4192]

I've been where they are,, it's liking watching myself 12 years ago..I'm still clean thank God. I hope they make it

[@avalondreaming1433]

God bless the judge!

[@timstultz4387]

My dad lived in Logan County not far from Boone County in the 60s. His family was one of the few able to leave because my grandfather was a foreman in the mines. They left for CA and my dad met my mom and here I am. I’ve been back to WV a few times to visit relatives and bury grandma next to grandpa in the family cemetery. I love the state but since around the 80s on it’s been a steep decline in people. The last time I went to visit in the mid 2000s people were without jobs and stealing everything that was nailed down or not because of drugs. Just sad really. I can’t say it enough but I think it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth

[@howlinwulf]

Great job the judge has,who else is in such a position to help also,most people destroy their lives thinking its just not worth it. He is a light shining for other judges to learn from cause he has made a difference. What if there were 2 or 20. Cheers Judge.

[@tooldaniellateralus9298]

Why not go after the ones selling Or find out how they are coming in to the town 🤔

[@maryannwebb8997]

Awesome ❤. What a caring & loving person.

[@lorisanchez6083]

Wonderful..we all need more like them!❤

[@davemclauchlin9561]

Need more juges like this. It would help big time.

[@donnamays24]

This judge and public attorney are amazing! God bless them🙏🏻💖

[@msjackson6131]

Heartbreaking 💔 And also a hopeful… I hope their all still doing well❤️🙏🏽🇨🇦

[@ncon00iplus17]

Where’s the white family

[@masonoutdoors8716]

🙄

[@joeclark7471]

They are in Boone County Jessica White is the leader actually met this man in eastern Kentucky at a bar one night he’s crazy but he is a pretty good guy

[@paolomarques439]

@JASON VOORHEES perhaps jesco is jessica now who knows🤣

[@mariec3527]

Lmao 🤣

[@macman3175]

Thank you Jesus for that county, please help those people find you!

[@jaridkeen123]

To bad Religion is fake

[@hernandocortes6877]

@@jaridkeen123 you're fake

[@NickDash]

That's part of the problem in these parts of WV, religion, religion does no good for people it's nothing but false hope and gives people an excuse for hating others. I'm from south WV so i know from experience.

[@jujube3736]

At the very beginning of the video it literally says they all consider themselves as “churchgoing”

[@Anne_p]

I hope these people. Know how blessed they are to get chance after chance after chance. Most people don’t get that.

[@galegrazutis964]

You should be able to get I indefinant chances!!@

[@marthastephens2179]

God bless all this people and this wonderful judge. Amen ❤

[@AdrianEmbrey1979]

That's a feel good story

[@abysscallstoabyss55]

Ojeda, I hope your words are true. I love this state and it's people. We have been taken advantage of for generations and companies keep a strangle hold on our education system. We have been used and abused and our people feel their is nothing left for them. Help our families, our communities, the state and more. you have the power, sir.

[@gojudude]

Ojeda??? He's an anti Trump, Clinton lovin' socialist.....The district he would represent seen right through his BS.

[@abysscallstoabyss55]

@@gojudude Thank you CCP for protecting this “man” from my two previous responses. I demand better dumplings! Somebody teach these round eyes not to strain rice!

[@shelleywilliams8201]

I wish we had a judge n NC like him.

[@dianebays5484]

I live in charleston, and my mother was born in Boone County. I figure I'm related to the deputy sheriff! The barker name is a popular one in Boone County, and great grandma was a barker. Boone County is a pretty place.

[@canadaeast8358]

The judge has a big heart

[@chocolatechipslime]

We need more judges that care like this

[@kylepitzer6978]

I respect that judge. Good guy from what I can see

[@marthastephens2179]

Please don't be an ENABLER! I NEVER ENABLED MY SISTER'S ADDICTION. She hit rock bottom after years of addiction and would have died...so many rehabs she walked out of..she got sober from Crack cocaine after 15 year for 17 yrs. She recently died of leukemia 😢.

[@Harrygreen111]

All the other comments about the Judge are so right , A very special man

[@terriecochran6165]

What a awesome judge!

[@michaelbullock6749]

My take is completely different. I am a 51 year old juvenile diabetic. I have severe pain. But because of these hop heads real people in REAL PAIN can no longer use the medication made for pain relief. It’s truly unfair! I’ve been on pain meds for surgery I didn’t get hooked because my Dr only prescribed enough for recovery. What hop heads have done to folks actually in pain is criminal in of itself!!

[@slickrick2420]

Sorry to hear that. But the real culprits are the Shackler family and their pharmaceutical company that made this happen. As well as the govt who didn't have people with chronic pain in mind.

[@williamphillip9749]

Probably for the best or else eventually you would become an addicted too. Just because you need it doesn’t protect you from dependency

[@JennAmazed]

Big pharma and doctors who knew better, or should have known better, are equally to blame

[@moondog9086]

@@williamphillip9749 If someone has to live with chronic pain for the rest of their life and are prescribed pain medication, they could have a better quality of life. Of course there's the addiction part, but they have to find a balance. Just had major sinus surgery and was sent home with noting for pain and it sucked! I don't blame the addicts, I blame Big Pharma, doctors and corrupt government.

[@pam112061]

@@williamphillip9749 no William...not everyone becomes addicted.

[@GammaNu955]

There should be a love button. Tears

[@teamcougars]

That judge is a true 💎 ❤

[@jeezthatscocky3144]

It’s a cycle though. Generations raising generations and etc. Some make it out but most don’t. Drugs are soooooo bad. No one wants to get hooked, but everyone does. It’s sad.

[@edirvine4285]

Some people you just can’t help but what a awesome judge

[@andrewcross8244]

That Judge is a very fine Gentleman. God bless him

[@CannibalFetusRobbery]

Me and my wife are gettin ready to move here.

[@a.h.s5152]

It's hard to get off when there's a very painful terminal illness that eats and attacks organs in the body

[@galegrazutis964]

That situation is different entirely that some junkie using meth or crack or heroin for no other reason than to get hi!!!

[@mariaht7646]

We need more judges like him

[@bige5838]

Great story about great people

[@danielcoleman4807]

The people that abuse pain meds are making it very hard for the old and injured good people who really need these meds. Its too bad that these good for nothing folks are making life hard for the real patients. Real patients in WV are forced to drive out of state to find Doctors who will write these prescriptions. I know this is true and factual. Not an opinion, its the facts.

[@bentleyv1233]

The government tends to just give up on people. Every judge should be held to this standard peoples lives are in your hands!

[@mishanter6332]

I went to school with tyler for around middle school he will be my age as i’m going into my senior year at scott high, the kid had a heart and everything a friend would want to be i hate for him and his family and i wish the best for him as he is now an adult or soon to be one soon, i hope he makes the right decisions for himself which ik he will

[@chuitoperez8318]

God bless that judge frfr

[@patrickmuro5778]

Wow, this is the most sympathetic depiction of drug addicts I have ever seen. Going to prison, losing their children, wasting resources, taking advantage of peoples kindness, letting them down, why cant every community get this much sympathy?

[@johnmurray6636]

This judge is kind