1.23.09 - Rogers: Appalachian Regional Commission Awards $304,783 in Substance Abuse Prevention Grants
Friday, January 23, 2009

Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the Appalachian Regional Commission, in conjunction with local contributions, awarded $304,783 in Substance Abuse Prevention Grants to non-profit groups in southern and eastern Kentucky.

“The residents of Southern and Eastern Kentucky face the enormous challenge of fighting drugs within their communities, which is why I founded Operation UNITE in an effort to shield our children and our communities from the dangers that exist,” said Rogers. “Investing in drug prevention and education is essential to clean up our streets, invest in our communities and protect our children. By working together we can tackle the challenges that grip southeastern Kentucky and offer alternatives to those who are grappling with addiction.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission awarded the following grants:

• Lee County: People Encouraging People Coalition- $59,352 to provide pro-social activities and drug-prevention information for at risk youth.
• Breathitt County: Kentucky River Community Care Inc.- $80,000 to implement an academic plan for prescription drug diversion and abuse.
• Rowan County: Rowan County UNITE Coalition Inc.- $81,950 to implement three programs to address the substance abuse problem in the community.

In addition to the above grants, the Appalachian Regional Commission awarded the Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort, KY $83,481 to create training classes that focus on substance abuse for individuals interested in becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Classes will be offered in London and Hazard, two centralized locations in the Appalachian region of Kentucky.

These grants build on the success of Operation UNITE which has been a success in taking drug dealers off the streets, preventing substance abuse and offering treatment for the addicted. UNITE’s multi-pronged approach to combating drug abuse involves not only investigations, but also important treatment and educational programming. To date, UNITE detectives have confiscated over $8.4 million worth of drugs off the street, including more than 81,227 prescription pills, more than 20 pounds of cocaine, nearly 450 pounds of processed marijuana and over 11.6 pounds of methamphetamine. Their efforts have led to the arrests of 2,939 drug dealers and a 97.2% conviction rate. Operation UNITE also provides non-violent offenders and those grappling with addiction with a second chance—over 1,707 non-violent offenders have participated in UNITE drug court programs, and more than 1,250 individuals have received vouchers for treatment. Finally, Operation UNITE continues to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse; to date, 64,595 counseling sessions have taken place with UNITE substance abuse counselors. For more information on UNITE, visit www.operationunite.org or call 866-678-6483.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.