September 15, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
The eldest grandson of the late Country Music star Johnny Cash will be the keynote speaker and entertainer during a Health Fair Friday, September 21 hosted by the DeKalb Prevention Coalition and the DeKalb County Recovery Court in conjunction with National Recovery Month.
Thomas Gabriel will entertain and share his story during the program, which will be held from 5-6 p.m. at the DeKalb County Complex Auditorium. Information booths will also be set up where attendees can learn more about addiction, recovery, and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
A Narcan Training session will follow Gabriel’s entertainment and remarks from 6-7 p.m. Tommy and Suzanne Angel will provide the training in the proper use of Narcan, a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and help save a life. Each participant will receive a kit with Narcan nasal spray upon completion of the hour long training session. A new kit will be provided to those who have already received the training and need another kit.
Narcan Nasal Spray is recommended for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose.
“Narcan is a medication used to block the affects of opioids, especially in overdoses. It can be sprayed into the nose of a person who has overdosed and it usually takes about two minutes to work,” said Sheriff Patrick Ray. “After administering Narcan to someone who has overdosed, the person will regain consciousness and at times might be aggressive. We have been told that it may take two or more times of administering Narcan to someone who has overdosed on fentanyl before we can revive them,” he added.
Lisa Cripps, Coordinator of the DeKalb Prevention Coalition, said its important for as many people as possible to get this Narcan training.
“This is important because many drugs are laced with Fentanyl, which can kill on contact. Many law enforcement officers, first responders, SRO’s, school nurses, and others in the community now carry Narcan. If you work in a public place Narcan could be a life saver for you, a co-worker, or a family member,” said Cripps.
Gabriel, T.G. – as those closest to him call him – is the oldest grandchild of Johnny Cash. Predominately raised on the road, he often dreamed of a life as a successful career musician. When he was young, his grandfather would call him onstage, to sing “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
At 21, he was in the studio trying out his voice. Johnny would say, “Son, you sound a lot like I did when I was younger; work on those vocals.”
Johnny also insisted that T.G. have a back-up option, so he went to the police academy, and into police work.
Life and adversity has kept him from pursuing his dreams, but he has regained control over his life, and is back in the world that holds so much potential for him.
Along with his voice that sounds so much like his grandfather’s, he brings a wealth of stories from his memories of his childhood and of growing up a member of such an iconic family.
For more information about the Health Fair contact Lisa Cripps at dekalbtnpevention@gmail.com