Dale G. Morton, Communications Director
1-606-677-6179 or 1-866-678-6483
Public Service
Announcement
www.operationunite.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2009
UNITE to host public forum for Lawrence residents
LOUISA -- Lawrence County citizens concerned about substance abuse issues and the need for more youth activities within their community are invited to a free luncheon on Monday, February 23.
The public meeting will be held starting at noon at the Lawrence County Community Center, 205 Bulldog Lane in Louisa. Reservations are not required.
“Operation UNITE has declared Lawrence a priority county for 2009,” noted Karen Engle, UNITE president/CEO. “We want to make citizens aware of what programs UNITE has available and to offer our assistance to anyone interested in seeing these programs implemented.”
A variety of opportunities will be discussed during the luncheon. These include school-based anti-drug clubs, identifying ways to protect yourself and your neighbors, how to obtain substance abuse treatment, after-care support for addicts and their families, community education programs, and youth sports programs.
“We know there is a desire and hunger to take action against the drug problem,” Engle said. “What we’re looking for are committed individuals – especially representatives from the faith-based community -- to join with UNITE to expand upon the positive progress that is already taking place in Lawrence County.”
For more information on the forum contact UNITE at 1-866-OP-UNITE (1-866-678-6483). To learn more about UNITE programs visit their website at www.operationunite.org.
* * * * *
In 2003, Fifth District
Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (R-Somerset) worked to create Operation UNITE,
a regional anti-drug initiative empowering citizens groups and community
leaders in 29 southern and eastern Kentucky counties. UNITE, which stands for
Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment & Education, seeks to fight
the drug epidemic by expanding drug awareness and education programs to keep
people from using drugs; coordinating drug treatment and outreach programs for
those who are already addicted; and operating regional undercover law
enforcement task forces for interdiction and prosecution of those dealing
drugs. Rogers has directed $36.6 million in federal funds to the counter-drug
initiative over the past five years. For more information contact Karen Engle
toll-free at 1-866-678-6483.
Drug Tip Hotline – 1-866-424-4382 / Treatment Referral Line – 1-866-90-UNITE (1-866-908-6483)