UNITE honors outstanding anti-drug efforts
WILLIAMSBURG – Anti-drug efforts by individuals, coalitions and businesses throughout the Fifth Congressional District were honored Friday, September 8, during the first Operation UNITE “A Celebration of Communities in Action” education conference and awards ceremony.
The more than 900 people who participated in the conference, held at the University of the Cumberlands, also learned of a new state report that shows UNITE’s efforts have significantly impacted prescription narcotic use.
The more than 900 people who participated in the conference, held at the University of the Cumberlands, also learned of a new state report that shows UNITE’s efforts have significantly impacted prescription narcotic use.
“It’s been a short few years since we started UNITE. Today’s event allows us to honor you for your dedication, commitment, tireless giving of yourself and your resources to make a difference,” said Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers. “And you are making a difference!”
Rogers cited several examples of UNITE’s successes:
• More than 1,500 drug dealers have been arrested.
• More than $6 million worth of drugs has been taken off the streets.
• Drug Courts are operating in 28 UNITE counties.
• More than 300 individuals have been assisted in finding treatment for substance abuse.
• Community coalitions have been created in all 29 counties and on 10 college campuses.
• UNITE Clubs have been created at 35 schools.
Keynote speaker for the awards luncheon was Tom Zawacki, general manager of general administration for Toyota Motor Manufacturing / Kentucky.
Zawacki shared a special message about the importance of corporate citizenship and community involvement in the fight against drugs. He cited Toyota’s philosophy of teamwork, continuous improvement and other motivations driving the automotive giant to become one of the commonwealth’s top corporate citizens.
Saying Toyota wanted to lead by example, Zawacki presented UNITE a $2,500 check to be used for UNITE Club programs throughout the district.
While law enforcement and treatment are critical components of UNITE’s overall anti-drug strategy, real long-term change is not possible without reaching out to youth who are struggling with drug abuse – either personally or through a family member, noted Karen Engle, executive director of UNITE.
To put the UNITE effort into perspective, a video was debuted featuring the personal stories of five young people whose lives have been dramatically turned upside down because of drugs.
“Listening to these stories is life-changing,” Rogers proclaimed. “I encourage each of you to just talk with our youth. You may be surprised to discover whose lives are being impacted by drugs. They are not seeking sympathy. They want someone to hear them, to understand their issues, and help change the tide of abuse.”
Earlier in the day, representatives from KASPER (Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Report) reporting a trend analysis of controlled substances from 2003 to 2005 that showed the region has experienced a significant decline in the number of prescribed narcotics.
Specifically, the Kentucky River region had a 9.2 percent decrease in prescribed narcotics, while the UNITE region as a whole showed a 4.4 percent decrease.
“Now that’s progress, and it’s all because of your efforts,” Rogers said. “But there is more to be done. We’re just starting. The fact of the matter is we need everyone involved.”
To honor the anti-drug efforts, UNITE presented 11 awards of excellence:
• Elementary School UNITE Club of the Year – Paintsville Elementary (Johnson County)
• Middle School UNITE Club of the Year – Whitesburg Middle (Letcher County)
• High School UNITE Club of the Year – Jackson County High (Jackson County)
• Substance Abuse Counselor of the Year – Sherri Gibbs (Whitley County)
• Recruiter of the Year – Dwight Davis (Knox County)
• Innovative Project of the Year – JULY JAM (Pike County)
• Mentor of the Year – Henry Hughes (Harlan County)
• Cornerstone Award – Barry Chaney (Pike County)
• Community Impact Project of the Year – Clay County Court Watch
• UNITE Appreciation Award – Whayne Supply Company
• Community Leader of the Year – Doug Abner and Ken Bolin (Clay County)
“Today we paused to recognize those individuals who have made lasting impacts through their dedication and hard work and look ahead to great things yet to come,” Engle said. “There is much to celebrate as we move into the fourth year battling the drug scourge in Southern and Eastern Kentucky through a coordinated effort of investigations, treatment and education.”