Drugs Bring Death ends four-year run

LIMA — Jesse Lowe II is setting down his sign.Saturday marks the fourth anniversary of the day Lowe made his name, standing on a street corner, alone, with a simple cardboard sign that warned “Drugs Bring Death.” Since then, the message and the man have grown in popularity, both locally and across the country. But after four years of rallies, marches and the less public work of reaching out to addicts one-on-one, Lowe says it's time to walk away.“March 31 will mark the four-year anniversary for the Drugs Bring Death organization. At that time it will disband,” Lowe said. “The message still continues and has made a great impact in Lima and Allen County. Many gave of their time and talents.”Drugs Bring Death began as a one-man campaign with the large, soft-spoken Lowe announcing to anyone who would listen that he was tired of seeing his friends and neighbors die from drugs and the violence it inspires. It began just weeks after the death of Tarika Wilson, a young woman shot by police as they raided her house in search of her drug dealer boyfriend. The city was on edge and residents, both black and white, were looking for someone to blame. Lowe's campaign offered a clear answer.“It's a physical death, a spiritual death and a mental death,” Lowe said in his first The Lima News interview, just days after his campaign began. “You watch your family and friends go through this. I wanted to do something. It's time for leaders to get working on this. It's time to break the cycle.”The campaign caught on quickly. Within months, Lowe was leading citywide demonstrations and showing up in media nationwide. Drugs Bring Death signs and stickers became ubiquitous, showing up in windows and on bumpers across the region. Lowe ran for and won a seat representing the 3rd Ward on Lima City Council.In time, the grassroots effort became an official nonprofit organization offering counseling, intervention, education and a long list of other programs aimed at helping individuals and educating the community. The program grew to include branch chapters in Alabama, Delaware, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.“I received overwhelming support. With God's wonderful power, we were able to help 41 individuals and their families and directly impact countless others,” Lowe said. Like most nonprofits, Drugs Bring Death has struggled with the recent economic downturn, Lowe said. A decline in donations and an increase in the expectations of major funders, many of whom expect intervention groups to provide opportunities for professional rehabilitation services, made the dissolution necessary, Lowe said.“To properly operate a nonprofit organization, financial support is necessary. Drugs Bring Death Inc. has been directly affected by the economic downturn and is subsequently forced to conclude current operations,” Lowe said. “I have drained by personal accounts trying to help others.”In its four years of activity, the group has compiled a long list of awards and achievements. They include dozens of marches, stands and community events, numerous speaking engagements and personal assistance to help dozens of individuals and families start and stick with 12-step recovery. Lowe said he will remain personally active in the fight against drug abuse and will continue to speak to groups or schools when asked. He maintains his faith that recovery is possible, both for individuals and the city.“I know without a doubt that the city of Lima will get better and I pray this city will respect my decision. I'm thankful for a wonderful four years,” Lowe said.