CULTURAL IMMERSION

Tiffany Green
Cultural Immersion
Wilmington University
Professor Linda Payne

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Populations Served by My Programs:

The Ravens Fly Above Drugs wellness campaign is targeted to the student body at Sussex
Technical High School where current enrollment is 1,539 students that attend. This school designated to
as the best school in that district. This school provides different Technical areas that students can become
certified to get a job and or accumulate college earned credits once they graduate. Students are selected to
attend Sussex Tech that offer grades 9th thru 12th.. Currently the Student enrollment by ethnicity is
majority male Caucasian. The wellness campaign provides substance abuse prevention education to all
students due to current heroin epidemic located in this community which is mainly being abused by male
Caucasian.
Populations Selected for Cultural Immersion:
Black Males addicted to Heroin
Populations History and Major Milestones:
Heroin has a very long history of use throughout the world. It is thought that the Arab traders
during the 7th and 8th century AD took opium to China where it was used medicinally up until the 17th
century. In Victorian times opium was taken by all classes in the form of pills or laudanum. Laudanum is
opium dissolved in alcohol. In 1874 heroin was created to be a cure for those addicted to morphine. With
the intention of being a safe, non-addictive substitute for morphine, heroin fell short of its expectations.
Soon it was noted that heroin produced addiction exceptionally quickly in many and was made illegal in
1920 (Heroin Addiction, 2015).
The Bayer Company started the production of heroin in 1898 on a commercial scale. The first
clinical results were so promising that heroin was considered a wonder drug. Indeed, heroin was more
effective than codeine in respiratory diseases. It has turned out, however, that repeated administration of

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heroin results in the development of tolerance and the patients become heroin-addicts soon. In the early
1910s morphine addicts "discovered" the euphorising properties of heroin and this effect was enhanced by
intravenous administration. Heroin became a narcotic drug and its abuse began to spread quickly.
Restrictions on its production, use and distribution were regulated by international treaties. The total ban
on heroin production was also proposed. As a result of the strict regulations the production and
consumption of heroin showed a significant decrease after 1931. At the same time the underworld
recognized the shortage of heroin and started the illicit production and trafficking (Hosztafi, 2001).
According to Wikipedia, Frank Lucas is an American former heroin dealer, who operated in
Harlem during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was particularly known for cutting out middlemen in
the drug trade and buying heroin directly from his source in the Golden Triangle. Lucas boasted that he
smuggled heroin using the coffins of dead American servicemen, [5] [6] but this claim is denied by his
South East Asian associate, Leslie "Ike" Atkinson. [7] Rather than hide the drugs in the coffins, they were
hidden in the pallets underneath as depicted in the 2007 feature film American Gangster in which he was
played by Denzel Washington, although the film fictionalized elements of Lucas' life for dramatic effect.
(Wikipedia, 2015).
In my opinion Lucass role as a heroin dealer introduced a highly addictive drug to the black
community whereas those who were looking for emotional escape could find it by using heroin. He made
if affordable and acceptable in a community that was plagued with economic injustice and inequality. The
use of drugs became wide spread among others as a means of creativity therefore it was used on
entertainment scene as recreational but as depicted in the movie it was a long journey that cost many
their lives, family and friends.
Film
Film Viewed: Ray
Director: Taylor Hackford

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Year: October 29, 2004
Company: Universal Pictures and Image
Major Theme:
The movie Ray was about the life of legendary musician Ray Charles played by Jamie Foxx. In
the movie Foxx portrayed Rays fascinating journey of a musical genius as a great singer, piano player
and his energized stage performance all while being legally blind. Ray was known for his soulful voice of
gospel, blues, country and jazz music. Foxx depicted the humbling beginnings, the tumultuous journey of
adultery, heroin addiction and a keen business man in this movie.
The movie Ray told the story of Ray Charless life he, was born on September 23, 1930, in
Georgia. At the age of seven he witness his brother drowning in a water basin. Paralyze with fear her
could not and did not help to save him. A few years after that tragedy he started to going blinded. By age
nine Ray was totally blind. As he grew up his mother had help him to become accustom to his new way of
living by allowing him to do things on his own without her help even though it was struggle. She believe
that allowing him to learn to adapt to his life he will eventually led him to be self-sufficient and
independent.
In the movie it showed Ray playing a gentlemans piano as a blind child and eventually he
became very good finally mastering the piano. With his new found success as a great piano player Ray
began touring and playing to live audiences throughout the south where he gained notoriety and fame.
Throughout the movie Ray it shows him having reoccurring nightmares of his brothers drowning
that really scared him. As shown in the movie Ray, he was on the road touring with his band and had a
vivid flashback. He always knew after every musical performance that the band members would go off
and get high but he never imposed on joining them but after having another scary flashback he begged the
band member to allow him in the room and use Heroin. This euphoric had Ray feeling no pain, no worries
and especially no flashbacks. It was then that he begin using Heroin as a coping mechanism leading to

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addictions. In the movie Ray it showed that he introduced his mistress to the world of Heroin which
eventually led to her death. Ray Charles had battled with Heroin addiction for 17 years. Ray continued to
perform up until he could no longer and Ray Charles died June 20, 2004.

Personal Interview:
Date of Interview: April 18, 2015.
Name of Interviewee: Tanya Love
I interviewed a recovering Heroin addict about how her overall experience on this highly addicted
drug.
1. When were you introduced to heroin? Ms. Love was first introduced to heroin at the age of 17yrs
old by her now deceased ex-boyfriend and the father of two children who she no longer has
2.

custody. Her ex-boyfriend had overdosed on heroin in a friends back yard 5yrs ago.
What was your up bring like? Ms. Love was raised by her mother and is the only child. Her
mother and father are no longer together. Her mother provided Ms. Love with all the material
items that she desire but lacked emotional support because her mother was in search of her
happiness looking for a relationship. Ms. Loves father moved away when she was younger but
they still keep in contact. She states that he father has his own struggles with mental illness and
substance abuse. Ms. Love states that she would lie to her mother on several occasions but her
mother would continue to provide support. Ms. Love looked for outside acceptance from peers

because she wasnt very happy with herself image.

3. What are some of the actions you did to get your drugs? Ms. Love says that she would work odd
jobs by painting, hanging dry wall and other labor jobs trying to get money. She has resulted in
stealing from family and friends to get drugs. It is always her mother that she could count on to
get the money even though her mother may have told her no on several occasions. Her mother
would eventually give in and give her money.

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4. When did your mother find out? Ms. Love said that her mother always new but never confronted
her and would just tell her that she needed to change her ways but never actually disclose that she
is a heroin addict.
5. Have you ever tried rehab? Ms. Love said that she attempted to go to rehab but backed out. She
believes that she can stay clean without the help of professionals.
6. Have you ever been incarcerated? She has been incarcerated because of parole violation and nonpayment for fines and steal from the Walmart.
7. When you use heroin how does it make you feel? Ms. Love said that using heroin is so very
addictive and the first time she use she was hooked. Using heroin helps her to function normally
without being sick. Without it she will be in pain, nauseated, irritable, and moody. She said that
she started off by snorting it but then starting to shoot it.
8. Are you afraid of using Heroin since you are aware that some of your peers had over dosed and
died? Ms. Love said she is scared with it and scared without it.
Summary:
In conclusion my opinion is that people use heroin as a coping mechanism due to some type of
trauma or pain in their life. Whether it is from something that happen to them tragically or physically
heroin is used to numb pain. Although people tend to use heroin to stop the pain, when addicted to
heroin it becomes necessary to use because it helps avoid them becoming physically ill. This is a
horrific drug that has been created. It began usage was with intentions to ease pain for people with
aliments but when it was found that addiction is inevitable it should have no longer been accessible.
This drug doesnt necessary have to be smuggles into the country like it once was, people have
accessibility to learn how to manufactured it themselves. I have learned that it is necessary that one
must deal with issues of trauma with assistance from professionals in a positive and healthy manner
because if one doesnt it can lead to a road of addictions. Its also very important that people are
educated, empowered and encouraged so that they can make an informed decision with regards of
drug use.
Application of Cultural Knowledge:

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Name of Field Placement Agency: LaRed Health Center @ Sussex Technical High School
Address of Placement: 17099 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947
AGENCY COMMUNITY
Im doing my internship from the LaRed Wellness Center located in the Sussex Tech High
School, in Georgetown Delaware. This center works in collaboration with the school district and under
the supervision of LaRed Medical Heath Center located in this community to implement services to the
students. The service that LaRed Wellness center provides to the students are physical, emotional, health
education and reproductive health information. The school does have an additional nurses on staff and the
services they provide are for emergencies, screenings, or missed routine medications only.
Sussex Technical Highs School is on County Seat Highway just off of route US 13 in
Georgetown Delaware. The school is located not far from an active business district. There are different
eateries such as chains restaurants, pharmacies, gas stations, a large supermarket and two ethnic
restaurants located in the shopping plaza at the corner of Route 13 and County Seat Highway. You would
then make a right turn on to County Seat Highway. The school is located on a 2 lane highway with a lots
of traffic which tends to gets quite congested during school arrival and dismissal. There are some houses
along this route. There is a traffic light that you go through prior to approaching the school. This is a
windy road and around the curve you arrive at the entrance of the school where you can drive in and park.

Access:
Accessing Sussex Technical High School by driving from North Delaware is to travel Route U S
13 until signs direct you to make a left on County Seat Highway. Driving this road for approximately 2
miles is when you approach the school on the right hand side.

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Receptivity
There are many ways to get in the school but only one way for visitors. The visitors parking is in
the front near the double doors and the flag. The school is resembles a collegiate campus it is very large
and uniquely designed.
Upon entering youre welcomed by the armed security guards. The men are very tall in statue,
dressed in tan paints and white Shirts with School Logo on front and the word Security in big bold letters
on the back of their shirts. The Security guard will request your state identification and ask for your
destination. He will then make a copy of the identification and provide you with a sticker with your name,
picture and destination that you must place on your lapel. The Security officers are pleasant, nice and
helpful. When I arrive the school in the morning you will notice the student congregating in the atrium
meeting with friends, looking on their phones and making their way to their lockers. Also, principal
Demby is there along with other staff to greet students, visitors and to maintain order.
The Atrium has benches where the children can sit which is located in front of the cafeteria. Also,
it has large banners that acknowledge the superior school achievements draped in the school colors of
black and gray. The office that I work out of is the Wellness center. To get there I have to walk through the
Atrium, pass the main office, many technical classrooms. There I will make a left turn down the first
hallway on the left. I pass other technical classroom such as Arts, Business, and Cosmetology where I will
find the Wellness center across from the Day Care Center. In this office it is the secretary, the Social
worker and Stacy Kemps office the Nurse Practitioner who is a part of the campaign.

Administration and Staff Training:

The Ravens Fly Above Drugs campaign is staffed with professionally trained, certified,
licensed personal in the field of substance abuse, counseling, addiction recovery and health. The team will

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continue to attend annually trainings to maintain their credentials and certifications. There is currently no
staff members on the team that is a recovering heroin addict.
Funding:
The Ravens Fly Above Drugs wellness campaign is funded by the Center for Substance Abuse
and Prevention (CSAP), the State Prevention Framework- State Incentive Grant program which provides
funding to States, Jurisdictions and Tribes to implement SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework
(SAMSHA, 2015). According to Dr. Cecilia Douthy Willis, Ph. DSPF SIG Project Director, from the
Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. The five year preventative awareness of substance
program that was implemented to provide evidence based knowledge about substance abuse in the
communities throughout the country that was federally funded and will be ending May 2015 as the
keynote speaker of the meeting that I attended. The Ravens Fly Above Drug campaign was originally
awarded to LaRed Health Center for $50,000 to be used for the campaign but according to Mr. Dye the
grant was decreased to $35,000.00 due to that late start of the campaign. The grant money must be used to
compensate team, guest speakers, purchase materials, campaign posters, t-shirts and stickers. These
program was not to use the funds for training the team. The team that was appointed was to fully trained,
certified and qualified to implement the services outline by the grants objectives.

Staff Sensitivity:
During the fourteen weeks internship working with this team has been pleasurable. The director
Purcell Dye, Stacey Kemp, school nurse and the Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselors have been
respectful and full of great information when providing services to the students. Will Singleton left his
business cards to the students after each presentation and inform them that if they have any question and
concerns that they could reach out to him and he would help. The staff was very sensitive and empathic to
students who shared their experience with family or friends who were addicted to heroin. The
presentation shed light on issues of one becomes an addict, side effects of addictions and the length of

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addictions. This informed the students on new found information that they never knew. After the
presentation if left many students feeling empathy for love ones who is battling Heroin addiction.

Agency Programs and Services

Efforts:
The Ravens Fly Above Drugs campaign, is providing students with opportunities to get help if
needed for drug dependency. During wellness week starting on April 27 thru May 1, 2015 the team will
be providing more substance prevention awareness material, information on coping technics and
opportunities to win memorabilia if they answer correctly question of substance. The memorabilia will
have the Raven Fly above Drugs Logo with hopes of student remembering what they have learned about
substance abuse.
Quality:
The Ravens Fly Above Drugs wellness campaign provides evidence base information on
substance abuse and preventions. The presentations are completed by Certified Drug and Alcohol
Counselors. These CDAC are trained to provided service in an ever change drug climate. They are
educated on the new drug trends that are sweeping communities.

Effectiveness:
The Ravens Fly Above Drugs wellness campaign does get feedback after each presentation. We
ask the students to complete and unanimous survey asking about grade, gender, and ethnicity in the
beginning if they have every used marijuana. There is also additional questions that give the students
opportunity to provide feedback on if the presentation was help.
Efficiency:
The Raven Fly Above Drugs wellness campaign is a program that promotes information of
preventative awareness of substance abuse. The team does not implement services for any of the students

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but does have the capacity to direct them where they can seek help from which is at the LaRed Wellness
center to speak Nurse Stacy Kemp whose office is in the Sussex Tech High School. Students can seek
help with her assistance in a confidential manner. There is no cultural stigma when accessing help for any
student with addiction.

Personal Cultural Competencies

Engagement, Trust and Relationship building:

The approach that the Ravens Fly Above Drugs wellness team uses to present preventative
substance awareness is nonjudgmental, respectful and open mindedness towards the students. Any student
that shares their personal testimony of how heroin addiction had impact their life is received as a learning
opportunities not only for their peers but for the counselor as well. The presenters will utilize YouTube
videos to promote message of consequences, stories of struggles and success from heroin addicts with
relatable issues. Some CDCAs provide mock drug paraphernalia to show students what the drug looks
like, how it can be used and the purpose of items such as syringes, cotton balls, candles and spoons. After
each presentation the CDAC always encourages students to reach out to services within the school or
from an adult for support or information.

Assessment and Problem Definition:

I personally cannot assess if a person is under the influence of illicit drug because I am not
certified make that assessment. Only the CDCAs can make determination but in this area it is not their
role of the CDCAs to make assessment if a student is abusing drug they are to only provide prevention
material and substance abuse statistics and facts. The CDCAs encourages students to seek help from
their parents, a teacher or adult who can maybe link them to substance abuse services.

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Contracting and Goal Setting:

The 3 examples of cultural competent overarching goals that would be appropriate for my population are
that are presented in each presentation is as followed:
1. Increase students perception of risk and consequences relating to substance abuse
2. Increase students awareness on selecting positive alternatives activities instead of using drugs or
alcohol.
3. Increase students awareness of situations that may lead them to using alcohol and drugs as a
coping mechanism.

Interventions:
The Raven Fly Above Drugs wellness campaign team does not provide interventions. We only
provide preventative awareness of substance abuse during presentations.

Evaluations:
The Raven Fly Above Drugs wellness campaign will make recommendations regarding
importance of seeking professional help if they are struggling with substance abuse addictions. The
team does not provided one on one evaluations to make the determination if a student needs supports.

Terminations:
The Ravens Fly Above Drugs wellness campaign does not have authorization to terminate any
services for students because we dont provide direct services. Our obligations it to present
preventative substance abuse awareness information. If any student seeks help for addictions the
Stacy Kemp at the LaRed Wellness center can help them coordinate services will linked accordingly
with a program that will meet there needs. It has been known that it is a long journey to recovery
many peaks and valleys but when a person is truly ready for full recovery the road will help will be

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there for them until they no longer want help. Addiction is a life battles there programs that are
established such as Narcotics Anonymous and addiction facilities will exist until the end of times.

Bibliography

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Administrative, S. A. (2015, n.d n.d). SAMSHA-Strategic Preventative Framework. Retrieved from
SAMSHA: www.samhsa.gov/spf
Hackford, T. (Director). (2004). Ray [Motion Picture].
Hosztafi, S. (2001, August). The History of Heroin. Retrieved from National Center for
Biotechnology Information:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/11862675/citedby/?tool=pubmed
Love, T. (2015, April 18). Recovering Heroin Addict. (T. Green, Interviewer)
Scott, R. (Director). (2007). American Gangster [Motion Picture].
Wikipedia. (2015, April 15). Frank Lucas (drug dealer). Retrieved from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Lucas_%28drug_dealer%29