Sesame Street to address opioid crisis through one of its newest characters
The popular children's series, Sesame Street is gearing up to reveal a character's contemporary storyline: a muppet whose mother has an opioid addiction.
Earlier this year, Karli was introduced to the show as a muppet in foster care. She'll use the program's online series to reveal that her mother's struggle with a "grown-up problem" is the reason she entered foster care.
Creators feel that Karli's story may resonate with viewers.
Sherrie Westin, president of Social Impact and Philanthropy at Sesame Workshop, says: "Addiction is often seen as a 'grown up' issue, but it impacts children in ways that aren't always visible. Having a parent battling addiction can be one of the most isolating and stressful situations young children and their families face."
Opioid addiction continues to be an issue in Louisiana.
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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2017, state providers wrote 89.5 opioid prescriptions for every 100 persons, compared to the average U.S. rate of 58.7 prescriptions.