As Curtis Ramsey sat in a KFC restaurant in Pomeroy, Ohio, he reflected on the first time he heard the name of Ohio senator JD Vance, just a few hours before Vance’s address at the Republican National Convention. Curtis, an 18-year-old who had never been to a big city or flown on an airplane before, was in Washington with filmmakers Matt Moyer and Amy Toensing to promote their documentary, “Inheritance,” which sheds light on the struggles of drug-ravaged Appalachian communities like his own.
During their visit, Curtis and the filmmakers met with Ohio Representative Jim Jordan, who, upon hearing about the documentary, remarked that it sounded like the story of the next vice president of the United States, referring to Vance. Curtis, biting into his chicken sandwich, couldn’t help but compare Vance’s success to his own challenging circumstances. He acknowledged that Vance was fortunate to have escaped the hardships of their shared Appalachian background.
The conversation with Curtis highlights the harsh reality faced by many young people in communities like Pomeroy, where drug addiction and economic challenges are rampant. While Vance has often spoken about his own struggles and the issues plaguing these communities, the residents have learned to manage their expectations when it comes to receiving help or support.
Despite Vance’s rise to political prominence and success as an author, the underlying problems in places like Pomeroy persist. For Curtis and others like him, finding a way out of the cycle of addiction and poverty remains a personal struggle. The attention brought by documentaries like “Inheritance” serves to raise awareness of these issues, but concrete solutions are still needed to address the root causes of the addiction crisis.
In the midst of political speeches and national conventions, it is crucial not to forget the real stories of individuals like Curtis, who are fighting against the odds to create a better future for themselves and their communities. The challenges faced by those living in drug-afflicted areas are complex and deeply entrenched, requiring sustained efforts from policymakers, community leaders, and society as a whole to bring about meaningful change.
As the spotlight shifts from one political figure to another, it is essential to remember that the addiction crisis in places like Pomeroy is not just a talking point or a campaign issue – it is a harsh reality that continues to impact countless lives. By sharing the stories of individuals like Curtis, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges they face and work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive society for all.