[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 33 (Friday, February 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING LANE CHANGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. VICKY HARTZLER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2022

  Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
outstanding work of a local nonprofit in my district for their 
commitment to ending substance abuse.
  Lane Change was established by Lauren and Cory Mitchell, along with 
Brad and Stacy Segebarth, after local resident Lane Austin died from a 
fatal overdose while waiting for an available inpatient drug treatment 
facility. Within less than three short years, Lane Change has 
transformed many lives through education, outreach, and prevention in 
the Lebanon Community. Most importantly, their organization has helped 
families receive counseling and inpatient treatment for substance abuse 
through local and regional partnerships. Their network has become a 
vital resource for patients and probationary drug offenders, something 
that did not exist when Lane Austin lost his life over three years ago.
  Founder and executive director, Lauren Mitchell, is continually 
expanding her vision for Lane Change as she recognizes more unmet needs 
in her community. Her organization does not simply want to treat the 
symptoms of substance abuse but address the fundamental problems that 
drive it. Like many programs, their leadership understands that 
substance abuse is frequently linked with mental illnesses or social 
trauma in childhood and adolescence, making early intervention crucial 
to prevention. Lane Change has already outgrown their current facility 
as they have expanded their program to include a safe place for local 
students to spend time away from troubled home environments.
  None of this would have been possible without the generosity of 
donors and community volunteers. I am proud of each one and for Lauren 
Mitchell whose vision and commitment made this nonprofit possible. She 
has already made a tremendous impact. In the coming years, I look 
forward to watching Lane Change continue to grow and transform lives in 
southwest Missouri.

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