As the opioid epidemic hits our region, too often, some of the hardest hit victims can be overlooked.

Many children in the region have felt the effects of the crisis, as family members, including parents, have battled addiction and, in some cases, lost their struggle to an overdose.

According to the Public Children Services Association of Ohio, half of the children in Ohio who were taken into protective custody in 2015 were from homes where a parent was addicted.

Here in Lawrence County, one local group is looking to help children of families of the addicted.

Camp GRACE is being organized by Getaway Community Church and its pastor, Justin Barry, and aims to give children a week of fun activities and positive support.

Summer activities such as kayaking and swimming will be offered, as well as support from the church. Barry said the goal is to give the children a break “from what they are dealing with.”

Those interested in the camp can register by Thursday with an application, available at Riverside Recovery Services in South Point.

May this camp bring some brightness in the lives of these children and provide them with the tools and strength they need in their families’ struggles.