When there was a crack crisis, Sesame Street didn’t give a damn about the people affected.
But now that there’s an opioid epidemic, “Sesame Street” feels the need to address the crisis head-on. The popular children’s program announced that they’re going to address the situation by introducing a character, whose mother is a struggling opioid addict.
The muppet’s name is Karli, and she lives in foster care because her mother is unable to provide for her while under substance abuse.
Creators of the show feel that the new objective will help children, living through these real-life scenarios, find reassurance and a way to cope. According to the New York Post, there’s currently 5.7 million children under the age of 11 living with a parent struggling with substance abuse.
Kama Einhorn, senior content manager for Sesame Workshop, says the idea represents the Sesame Street’s core purpose.
“Having a parent battling addiction can be one of the most isolating and stressful situations young children and their families face. ’Sesame Street’ has always been a source of comfort to children during the toughest of times.”
She adds:
“There’s nothing else out there that addresses substance abuse for young, young kids from their perspective.”
This isn’t the first time the program has tackled tough issues. They recently covered homelessness.
The new episode, tackling the opioid crisis, aired on Wednesday in an on-line only segment.
Any thoughts? How do you feel about Sesame Street addressing the opioid crisis? Do you think the opioid crisis gets more sympathy than the crack epidemic? Let us know what’s on your mind by leaving a comment in the comment section below.
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Featured Image Credit: WSB Radio
