America’s drug czar will help Operation UNITE recognize and “Celebrate Successes in Prevention and Education” throughout southern and eastern Kentucky at a luncheon on Tuesday, May 5.

Michael Botticelli, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), will join Kentucky’s Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers and Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), at the celebration, which begins at 11 a.m. at Eastern Kentucky University’s Manchester Campus.

Click here to download event flyer.

“Kentucky has experienced more than its fair share of prescription drug abuse and diversion-related problems for more than a decade. Overdose death rates were climbing and families were being torn apart at unacceptable rates,” said Nancy Hale, UNITE president/CEO. “Through prevention and awareness initiatives, UNITE has been able to slow the problem and engage thousands of citizens to address substance abuse-related issues within their own communities.”

“The volunteers working with UNITE Coalitions in each of our 32 counties are having an impact, although we know there’s much more to accomplish,” Hale continued. “This celebration is an opportunity to pause and thank these folks at the grassroots level who are making a difference and recognize a few of their most successful initiatives.”

Originally scheduled for February, this event had to be postponed due to weather.

The public is invited to participate in the celebration. There is no charge to attend, but because lunch will be served an RSVP is requested by Wednesday, April 29, to Cheryl Keaton at ckeaton@centertech.com. On-site check-in will begin at 10:30 a.m.

As ONDCP director, Botticelli is responsible for the National Drug Control Strategy, which outlines efforts to reduce drug use, manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences. This strategy places an emphasis on community-based prevention programs, diverting non-violent drug offenders into treatment instead of jail, and expanding access to substance abuse treatment.

At CNCS, Spencer oversees the administration of AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, and other programs that engage millions of Americans in service and volunteering to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement. UNITE’s Service Corps initiative provides 44 AmeriCorps members this school year.

Congressman Rogers, whose vision created UNITE in 2003, is recognized as a national leader on drug-related issues.

“UNITE’s unique approach to place equal emphasis on education, treatment and enforcement has been heralded as a model for the nation,” Smoot said, noting an annual National Rx Drug Abuse Summit, hosted by UNITE, is regarded as the largest collaboration of professionals and stakeholders addressing substance abuse issues.

LONDON – Twenty-four high school seniors were presented “I Am UNITE” scholarships totaling $36,000 for being champions for anti-drug efforts during a dinner celebration held Tuesday, May 5, at the London Community Center.

Michael Botticelli, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, joined Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers in recognizing the youth. Also on hand were the presidents or their designees from nine of the 13 colleges and universities where the students will attend classes this fall.

“We don’t give enough credit to our young people, but many of the 2015 UNITE scholarship recipients have persevered through more challenges than any adult in this room,” Rogers said. “The students are the ones who have taught us the most about effective prevention efforts.”

Whether overcoming the loss of a family member or simply determined to be the positive change they want to see in our region, the scholarship recipients have been “Ambassadors” of UNITE’s mission by embracing drug-free lifestyles in their schools and communities, Rogers noted.

Each scholarship is worth $1,500 toward post-secondary expenses. Funding for the scholarships comes from proceeds of the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit, which Operation UNITE has hosted for the past four years.

“We could spend a lot of time talking about the impeccable grades and achievements of these students, but tonight we want to focus on what else makes them stand out – their efforts that make them a part of UNITE,” said Nancy Hale, UNITE president/CEO.

Receiving this year’s scholarships were:

• Addison Atkin from Rockcastle County High. He will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
• Cambriana Bobrowski from Owsley County High. She will be attending the University of Pikeville.
• Kia Bolen from Magoffin County High. She will be attending the University of Pikeville.
• Avery Bradshaw from Rockcastle County High. He will be attending Somerset Community and Technical College.
• Jordyn Bray from Somerset High School. She will be attending Campbellsville University.
• Latasha Cornett from North Laurel High. She will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
• Reiley Crum from Johnson Central High. He will be attending Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
• Miranda Dugger from Corbin High. She will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
• Karilyn Harris from Boyd County High. She will be attending Ashland Community and Technical College.
• Melinda Hatfield from Belfry High. She will be attending Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
• Sydney Jones from Shelby Valley High. She will be attending Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
• Hanna Logan from Whitley County High. She will be attending Somerset Community and Technical College.
• Angelica Mayo from Corbin High School. She will be attending Liberty University.
• Olivia Moore from Jackson Independent High. She will be attending the University of Kentucky.
• Tanner Morris from Harlan Independent High. He will be attending Union College.
• Savanna Nunnelley from Pineville Independent High. She will be attending the University of the Cumberlands.
• Tiffany Porter from West Carter High. She will be attending Morehead State University.
• Steven Prater from Phelps High. He will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
• Austin Shrum from Knott County Central High. He will be attending Alice Lloyd College.
• Abigail Smallwood from Shelby Valley High. She will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
• April Smith from Owsley County High. She will be attending Hazard Community and Technical College (Lee’s Campus).
• Mikayla Smith from North Laurel High. She will be attending the University of the Cumberlands.
• Skylar Stacy from Wolfe County High. She will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.
• Autumn Ward from Corbin High. She will be attending Eastern Kentucky University.

The “I Am UNITE” Scholarship program was established by the UNITE Foundation in May 2013, using proceeds from the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit – the largest annual collaboration of professionals in the United States focused on the prescription drug epidemic. To date, the UNITE Foundation has provided scholarships to 66 students.

In addition to the scholarship, students received a framed certificate along with a trophy naming them “UNITE Ambassadors.”

To qualify for a scholarship, a student must:

• Live within the 32 counties served by Operation UNITE;
• Be a member of their school-based UNITE Club or served as a team leader during Camp UNITE – our free, three-day, four-night leadership adventure camp for middle school students held at the University of the Cumberlands;
• Have an average cumulative GPA of 2.75;
• Participate in a minimum of 25 hours volunteer community service;
• and, submit an essay explaining how they exemplify the “I Am UNITE” theme.

PRESTONSBURG (6-4-15) – Members of UNITE’s Service Corps have been tutors, teachers, mentors and coaches throughout this past school year.

“They have educated, they have been role models, and they have served,” said Nancy Hale, UNITE president/CEO, during a year-end celebration for the AmeriCorps program on June 4 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

Click here to view photos from the celebration.

As drug prevention educators “you have been the messenger” to thousands of elementary school students, said Hale, who served as Co-Program Director until earlier this year. “Kids who receive drug education early are far more likely to avoid drugs later in life.”

“Doing community service not only makes a difference to those who are being served, but to those who provide the service,” Hale concluded. “Everything you do, everything you say is going to have a lasting impact forever.”

For the 2014-15 school year, the UNITE Service Corps placed 44 AmeriCorps members at schools in Bell, Breathitt, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Laurel, Leslie, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Rockcastle and Wolfe counties, as well as the East Bernstadt Independent school system.

AmeriCorps members provide math tutoring, teach the “Too Good for Drugs” and “Healthy Futures/Take 10” wellness curriculums, and coordinate anti-drug UNITE Clubs. In addition, members participate in their local UNITE Community Coalitions and recruit caregivers who provide thousands of hours for school prevention activities.

As of mid-year, the most recent stats available, UNITE Service Corps members had tutored 2,459 students in math and provided mentoring to 3,815 students, said Eugene Newsome, USC Program Director. The overall growth in math test scores was 42.42% — the highest rate of success for individual students in program history – and the average increase in drug education knowledge was 40.53%.

“This is a very good day, but also a very sad day,” said UNITE Education Director Debbie Trusty. “We celebrate what you have done, but are sad that we say good-bye to so many excellent members.”

The event was also an opportunity to introduce Melinda Kincer, a retired Rockcastle County educator, as the new UNITE Service Corps co-program director.

Two second-year AmeriCorps members – Cary Hughes (Valley Elementary in Pike County) and Michelle Martin (Mt. Vernon Elementary in Rockcastle County) – were honored with “Hal Rogers Difference Maker” awards. Named for U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, the awards recognize “the tireless efforts of people in southern and eastern Kentucky who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a life-changing impact in our region.”

Marlana VanHoose, an Eastern Kentucky native, performed several inspiring songs during the celebration.

Blind since birth, VanHoose was not expected to live longer than one year. But, by age two she had taught herself to play piano and has established herself as a nationally acclaimed performer.

The 19-year-old VanHoose is a member of the Artist Music Guild where she was the 2012 recipient for New Artist of the Year and Young Artist of the Year. She also was a 2013 nominee for Artist of the Year.

AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS), part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and the federal Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

Wendy Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of CNCS, lauded the UNITE Service Corps during a community celebration held this past May in Manchester.

“By harnessing the power of AmeriCorps and community volunteers, UNITE has developed a winning strategy to help thousands of Kentucky youth keep away from drugs and stay on track in school,” Spencer said. “UNITE’s AmeriCorps program is a model for communities across the nation working to fight drug abuse, and I salute UNITE’s AmeriCorps members and volunteers for their impact and success.”

LONDON – The UNITE Service Corps has received funding for 44 AmeriCorps members to provide math tutoring and substance abuse prevention education during the 2015-16 school year.

The $543,400 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will enable UNITE to place AmeriCorps members at elementary schools in Bell, Breathitt, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Laurel, Leslie, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Rockcastle and Wolfe counties, and East Bernstadt Independent – the same school systems served this past school year.

In addition to math tutoring, AmeriCorps members teach the “Too Good for Drugs” and “Healthy Futures/Take 10” wellness curriculums, as well as coordinate anti-drug UNITE Clubs in their school. In addition, members participate in their local UNITE Community Coalitions and recruit volunteers who provide thousands of hours for school prevention activities.

As of mid-year, the most recent stats available, UNITE Service Corps members had tutored 2,459 students in math and provided mentoring to 3,815 students, said Eugene Newsome, USC Program Director. The overall growth in math test scores was 42.42% – the highest rate of success for individual students in program history – and the average increase in drug education knowledge was 40.53%.

Earlier this year, CNCS Chief Executive Officer Wendy Spencer lauded the UNITE Service Corps as “a model for communities across the nation” for developing “a winning strategy to help thousands of Kentucky youth keep away from drugs and stay on track in school.”

“We are proud of the accomplishments of our Service Corps members,” said Nancy Hale, president/CEO of Operation UNITE, who served as co-program director for the initiative until taking her current position this past February. “They are making a difference in many young lives.”

Service Corps Program Director Eugene Newsome noted that AmeriCorps members are also very involved outside their schools, working with UNITE youth initiatives – such as Shoot Hoops Not Drugs and Camp UNITE – as well as their local volunteer community coalitions.

“AmeriCorps members are an invaluable resource for the populations they serve,” Newsome said. “I salute their dedication and strong work ethic.”

Two other Kentucky programs serving the Fifth Congressional District receiving funding:

• Teach for America-Kentucky in Hazard ($36,800). Teach for America-Kentucky members will serve as classroom teachers in low-income rural schools resulting in improved educational outcomes for students. The program will serve schools in the central Appalachia school districts in southeastern Kentucky.

• Morehead State University’s MSU Corps ($379,035). MSU Corps members will provide reading tutoring for academically at-risk students utilizing the “Great Leaps” reading curriculum and recruit and train community volunteers to be reading tutors. Members develop and demonstrate skills in tutoring, civic engagement and volunteer recruitment in Eastern Kentucky.

“The commonwealth sees great rewards from national service,” said Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. “AmeriCorps fills pressing social needs and makes our communities stronger.”

“Members gain leadership skills and career experience,” Beshear added. “We value AmeriCorps partnerships and congratulate the programs that have received grant funding.”

AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS), part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and the federal Corporation for National and Community Service.

KCCVS Executive Director Joe Bringardner said he is proud of Kentucky programs’ showing among the national grant awardees.

“These programs have distinct goals to help educate youth, provide comfort to seniors and rebuild families’ lives by building homes,” Bringardner said. “Our AmeriCorps members use their talents, their vision and their boundless energy to establish immediate and long-lasting change in Kentucky.”

WILLIAMSBURG – Throughout the week, participants in the 9th annual Camp UNITE engaged in fun activities designed to develop leadership and communication skills, promote teamwork and problem solving, instill confidence and trust, and let youth know they do not have to face difficult situations on their own.

The underlying theme to camp – there is “Hope In Action” by remaining free from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs – was driven home by speakers during an emotional closing ceremony on Friday, July 24.

This summer 192 middle school-aged youth from 23 counties attended Camp UNITE, held on the University of the Cumberlands campus. Activities during the week included competitive events, swimming, outrageous games, motivational speakers, a visit to the Hal Rogers Water Park, and more.

One of the most valuable components of camp is the peer mentorship and positive role models provided this year by 55 high school and college students who served as team leaders. These leaders were supervised by a staff of 50 adults and aided by an additional 70 community volunteers.

Six of the campers and team leaders shared their personal, heart-tugging stories about overcoming bad situations resulting from substance abuse within their homes. For several, it was their first time to talk openly about their past.

“I don’t have parents,” offered one young lady, adding her dad died of an overdose and her mom hasn’t spoken to her in four years.

Another noted she was born dependent on drugs due to her mother’s addiction.

“You can have everything and still go down the path of drug abuse,” said one young man. “You make it through by the choices you make.”

“Each of us does not have to be like our family,” added another youth. “There is a bright side. You can be your own person.”

“Sometimes we have bad things happen that bring out the good in each of us,” summarized Tom Vicini, a UNITE coalition coordinator. “Know that there are people who really care about you … that strangers can actually love you. Take that hope back with you as you leave today.”

Keynote presenter Jerod Thomas captivated attendees by recounting how he had lost everything – including a promising million-dollar-per-year career in the National Football League – because he did not resist peer pressure to try drugs.

“There is something inside you that makes you want to be popular,” said Thomas, who grew up with an abusive father who was an alcoholic and a bookie. To make matters worse, he also suffered from dyslexia.

“Whatever God takes away from you he gives you something else (to compensate),” Thomas said, adding he was encouraged to try out for football. “It was fast and violent. It was my house. It came easy for me.”

Early successes on the gridiron led to some bad choices and a feeling of entitlement because “I never paid (consequences) for what I did. … I was becoming a little monster.”

Thomas was a member of the Marshall University Thundering Herd National Championship team in 1987 and the Southern Conference championship team in 1988. He was a defensive starter at free safety and an Academic All-American.

He transferred to Morehead State University for his senior year, where he was Defensive Captain and named to the All Ohio Valley Conference Team. He made the starting roster for the NFL Arizona Cardinals’ mini-camp, but his addiction to cocaine and drinking led to a lifetime ban.

Within a short period of time he had lost his wife and son, was living in his car, and had spent numerous nights in jail for felony drug convictions.

He was given a final reprieve by a judge in Fayette County who sent him to rehab at WestCare Kentucky’s facility in Pike County.

Thomas ultimately received his Master’s of Education degree at the University of Tennessee, and taught and coached high school athletics in the Tennessee school system. He left teaching and pursued a career in sales, which included various products and services, and a position as National Sales Director for an athletic apparel company.

But, in 2009, he felt called to help others like himself and joined the WestCare staff as a drug and alcohol counselor. He was promoted to Program Director for the Boyle County Detention Center Substance Abuse Program, and currently serves as Deputy Administrator, overseeing all of WestCare’s treatment programs in Kentucky.

Stay positive and try not to make things harder for others, because “you don’t know what is going on behind closed doors,” he said, referencing the comments made earlier by the youth campers and team leaders. “The race in the end is only with yourself.”

Dr. Larry Cockrum, president-elect of the University of the Cumberlands, provided a whimsical welcome with his modified rendition of Baxter Black’s “People Are Funny Critters,” referencing the many antics that occurred on campus throughout the week.

He ended with a simple, straight-forward message to his young audience: “Make sure you graduate.”

Shedding his tie and taking a seat center stage, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers told campers it was important to take a stand for what you believe.

As a private attorney, the Clay County native said he made lots of money practicing criminal law. But, in 2005, Stivers promised his ailing father that he would quit defending drug dealers and “do something based on what is good for my community” instead of putting money in his pockets.

“I fought some of the toughest battles in my political career” supporting legislation targeting drug diversion, toughening penalties for drug sales, requiring better prescriber education, expanding treatment opportunities, and restricting the sale of controlled substances, Stivers noted.

Following his address, Stivers presented camp medals to the attendees and asked each participant to sign a pledge to remain drug free.

Camp UNITE is presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing-Kentucky along with camp sponsors: AmeriCorps-Kentucky; Appalachia HIDTA; Applebee’s of Pikeville; Community Trust Bank, Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI); Owens, Inc.; and the City of Williamsburg, Kentucky Splash Water Park; Christian Appalachian Project, Corbin Ice Company, Cumberland Gap Mountain Spring Water, Kentucky Army National Guard, Southeastern Kentucky PRIDE, and the University of the Cumberlands.

A total of 162 people attended six regional roundtables for representatives of UNITE Community Coalitions during October 2015. The roundtables were conducted in London, Somerset, Beattyville, Grayson, Prestonsburg and Hazard.

To view photos from the roundtables click on name of the city.

The roundtables were designed to let coalitions – many of which have new officers and members – know what programs and services UNITE has available to help serve residents of their communities, to share ideas that have been successful for other coalitions, and to discuss changes in the process for coalitions to request funding for local projects.

In addition, each roundtable featured the story of a person who had completed substance abuse treatment using a UNITE Voucher. This was also an excellent opportunity to meet leaders from other counties and exchange ideas.

Participants at each roundtable were entered into a drawing for a pair of tickets to the Charlotte vs University of Kentucky football game on November 21. The winner was Matt Brown of Louisa.

Operation UNITE is one of hundreds of nonprofit organizations across Kentucky participating in the third annual Kentucky Gives online fundraising event on Tuesday, December 1.

UNITE’s focus for this year’s Kentucky Gives event is to raise funds for youth prevention and education initiatives – specifically Camp UNITE, school anti-drug UNITE Clubs, and the “On The Move!” mobile education classroom.

“These UNITE initiatives are making a significant impact on youth perceptions and knowledge about substance abuse,” said Nancy Hale, president/CEO of Operation UNITE. “Our region has lost too many people to drug overdoses. It is imperative to change attitudes and behaviors at an early age, and to give our youth the knowledge and skills they need for success as adults.”

This global day of philanthropy is also known as #GivingTuesday and “showcases the collective power of philanthropy,” according to the Kentucky Nonprofit Network.

Beginning at midnight on Tuesday, December 1, and continuing until 11:59 p.m., Kentuckians – regardless of where they currently reside – can go online to kygives.org, connect with causes such as Operation UNITE, and make tax-deductible donations.

To make a donation to Operation UNITE on #GivingTuesday please visit their Kentucky Gives profile page at: https://givingtuesday.razoo.com/story/Operation-Unite.

All online donations for Operation UNITE made on Kentucky Gives day are 100 percent tax-deductible and will support the following youth initiatives:

Camp UNITE

The 10th annual Camp UNITE is a free four-day, three-night program leadership/adventure program for youth in the Fifth Congressional District who will be entering grades 7-9 during the 2016-17 school year. Camp is held at the University of the Cumberlands at the end of July.

Camp UNITE is comprised of many fun, action-packed activities designed to develop leadership and communication skills, promote teamwork and problem solving, instill confidence and trust, and – perhaps most important – let youth know they do not have to face difficult situations alone.

“More than 200 youth attend Camp UNITE each summer,” Hale noted. “It takes approximately $275 to send one youth to camp for the week, so the costs add up pretty quickly.”

Since 2007 there have been 1,723 middle school-aged youth participants from 32 counties. Each camp also utilizes more than 100 older youth and community volunteers.

UNITE Clubs

UNITE Clubs, established during the 2005-06 school year, increase a student’s ability to resist substance abuse by providing positive role models for other students, building self-esteem, engaging in healthy lifestyles, striving for high student achievement, and creating positive relationships.

During the 2014-15 school year there were 88 registered UNITE Clubs in 25 counties with a total of 7,298 student members. Each club is eligible to apply for $750 to conduct drug awareness and education programs. Registrations for the current term are still being accepted.

“UNITE Clubs raise awareness about the dangers posed by substance abuse not only in their schools, but throughout their communities,” said Debbie Trusty, UNITE Education Director. “Core components of a UNITE Club include performing community service projects and a provide peer-mentoring to younger students.”

On The Move!

On The Move! is a one-of-a-kind initiative in partnership with Appalachian HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) and the Kentucky Army National Guard targeting students in 7th and 10th grades.

Utilizing five interactive components related to distracted and impaired driving, this mobile classroom is offered free to schools and provides real-time data collection in line with Kentucky’s Core Content areas of practical living and health.

“Students leave these real-life simulations with a heightened awareness about the dangers of impairment from alcohol or drugs,” said Tom Vicini, deputy director for UNITE. “It gets the students thinking about the importance of making good choices so they don’t have to endure the tragic consequences of substance abuse.”

Launched in the fall of 2013, there have been 6,125 students from 72 schools in 18 counties complete the entire program through the end of the 2014-15 school year.

“Making donations to your favorite causes at kygives.org on December 1 is an excellent way for each of us to support the nonprofits serving you, me and our communities,” said Danielle Clore, executive director/CEO of Kentucky Nonprofit Network.

“Kentuckians, near and far, have an opportunity to demonstrate their generosity after Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping,” Clore said. “Kentucky Gives on #GivingTuesday is time to see how generous Kentucky can be in just 24 hours.”

Organized by the Kentucky Nonprofit Network, Kentucky Gives is presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky and Anthem Medicaid. #GivingTuesday was founded in 2012.

LONDON – Operation UNITE has extended the deadline for seniors to apply for “I Am UNITE” scholarships to Friday, April 8.

“The initial deadline was March 31, but with the number of school closings due to weather and sickness we wanted to make sure students had an opportunity to submit an application,” explained Debbie L. Trusty, UNITE’s Education and Treatment Director.

Application forms are available on the UNITE website at operationunite.org.

Created by the UNITE Foundation, these “I Am UNITE” scholarships provide high school seniors $1,500 to be used for post-secondary education expenses. Funding for these scholarships come from proceeds of the annual National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit, hosted by Operation UNITE in Atlanta, Ga.

Preference is given to seniors that have been a member of their school’s UNITE Club or have attended Camp UNITE as either a youth team leader or camper. If an applicant has not had the opportunity to be involved in UNITE programming, consideration is given to seniors who have provided strong community volunteer service.

Eligible applicants must live within UNITE’s 32-county service region.

In the past three years the UNITE Foundation has awarded 66 scholarships.

Additional information is available on the UNITE website. Interested applicants may also contact Shawna Ping at 606-677-6179 or by email to sping@centertech.com or Debbie Trusty at 606-889-0422 or by email to dtrusty@centertech.com.

Five free regional Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camps conducted by former University of Kentucky all-star Jeff Sheppard will be conducted June 14 through June 23.

All school-age youth are invited to participate in any of the camps, hosted by Operation UNITE, at the following dates and locations:
Week 1
• Tuesday, June 14, at Martin (Warfield) Middle School in Warfield.
• Thursday, June 16, at Owsley County High School in Booneville.
Week 2
• Monday, June 20, at Morgan County High School in West Liberty.
• Tuesday, June 21, at the Rodney C. Woods Gym at the Wayne County Schools Campus in Monticello.
• Thursday, June 23, at the Knott County Sportsplex in Leburn.

Each camp begins at 4 p.m. and concludes about 7 p.m. Participants are asked to arrive 30 minutes early for registration. (There is no advance registration.)

Four-time All-SEC Academic Team member Jarrod Polson will join fellow UK alum Jeff Sheppard as a camp instructor for the three Week 2 camps.

Shoot Hoops Not Drugs camps provide basketball skills instruction in conjunction with anti-drug and self-esteem messages.

For safety and comfort while participating, youth are asked not to wear open-toe shoes or sandals.

All participants will receive a free event T-shirt, regulation-sized signature basketball, food and water, and be entered into a drawing for two portable basketball goals given away at the conclusion of each camp (you must be present to win).

Presented by Ameritox, Shoot Hoops Not Drugs camps are fun, interactive, and provide a safe, drug-free activity where children have an opportunity to interact with positive role models while learning fundamental basketball skills.

In addition, parents and guardians will have an opportunity to attend a brief UNITE Foundation-sponsored education program on heroin and other opiates. Information on the signs, symptoms and dangers posed by prescription drugs will also be provided.

As a senior at the University of Kentucky, Sheppard was named the NCAA’s Final Four Most Valuable Player in the Wildcats’ 1997-98 National Championship season. He would later go on to play one season with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and 3 years in Italy.

Polson, a point-guard from Wilmore, Kentucky, went from walk-on to scholarship athlete before his freshman year at UK even began. Over his four years, Polson played in 94 games scoring a total of 140 points with a .424 field goal percentage (.313 three-point percentage).

Since 2006, UNITE has conducted 61 regional basketball camps with 8,295 youth participants representing 56 Kentucky counties, 20 other states and two other countries. More than 1,524 parents/caregivers have attended the educational programs.

Helping make the 2016 Shoot Hoops Not Drugs camps possible are:

GOLD Sponsor: Walmart of London

SILVER Sponsors: AmeriCorps-Kentucky, B&H Apothecary of Booneville, Appalachian Wireless of Ivel, Bank of the Mountains of West Liberty, Bluegrass Cellular of Monticello, Booneville Discount Drugs, Amy E. Brock DMD of Corbin, Commercial Bank of West Liberty, Defensive Action Against Drugs (DAAD) UNITE Coalition of Wayne County, Farmers State Bank of Booneville, Frederick & May Construction Company of West Liberty, Frederick & May Lumber Company of West Liberty, Hacker Brothers Inc. of London, JBK Inc. Roofing Division of Corbin, London Radio Service Inc., Minuteman Press of London, City of Monticello-Mayor Jeffrey Edwards, Owsley County Elementary School Family Resource Center, Owsley County High School Youth Services Center, Owens Inc. of Corbin, People’s Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC), Perry Oil Company of Hazard, Springwater Kartway of Monticello, Tri-County Cycle Sales of Corbin, Tri-County Wood Preserving of Corbin, C&P Quality Meats of London, Chad’s Hope Teen Challenge Center, Christian Appalachian Project, Cumberland Gap Mountain Spring Water of Middlesboro, Flowers Bakery of London, Kentucky Army National Guard, Robinson’s Premium Meats of London, WestCare Hal Rogers Appalachian Recovery Center, and Woodman Life of West Liberty.

BRONZE Sponsors: F&H Drug Inc. of Monticello, First Southern National Bank of Stanford, Jacobs Trade Center of Booneville, Kentucky Outdoorsman LLC of Corbin, Lee County Building Supply of Beattyville, Monticello Banking Company, Owsley County Clerk Shanna Oliver, Kenneth L. Ramsey State Farm Insurance of Monticello, and Silvers Hometown Pharmacy LLC of Monticello.

SUPPORTING Sponsors: Tom Blair Insurance Agency Inc. (State Farm) of Corbin, First National Bank of Grayson, and Levi Pawn & Gun of Booneville.

PIKEVILLE – Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), heard concerns and comments about the growing prescription opioid epidemic during a visit to southeastern Kentucky August 18, 2016.

“It’s obvious that this is a crushing epidemic … and you are in the epicenter,” Califf said during a stop at Pikeville Medical center as part of a multi-state listening tour.

Califf called the luncheon roundtable – where he learned about community response and recovery efforts from medical providers and UNITE coalition representatives – eye-opening. “The opioid crisis is real in our country. The pharmaceutical industry is the force behind it.”

Click here to view photos from the Roundtable.

Dr. William T. Fannin, a Pikeville physician who lost a son to an overdose and serves as Medical Director for Appalachian Hospice Care, asked Califf “to educate us better (and) give us medications that are safer to use.”

“Whenever we made pain the fifth vital sign is when we began to have problems,” Fannin said. “It was a horrible idea.”

Education was a common theme among participants.

Pikeville Medical Center Chief of Staff Dr. Jerry King said patients need to know more about pain management. “Doctors need educated on drugs and how we distribute them. Patients are going to have pain, we know that. But we need to monitor the amount of pain medicine they are getting.”

UNITE Board Member Cheryl Hickman, vice-president of Pikeville Medical Center, added that “education has to start in kindergarten. These kids have to understand the consequences” of taking drugs.

Several presenters praised the state’s mandating use of the KASPER (Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting) system, which tracks controlled-substance prescription.

Many participants urged greater use of abuse-deterrent medications and better control over drugs designed to help battle opioid dependence.

Former addict Chad Webb, one of the first UNITE Voucher program recipients who was recently pardoned by former Governor Steve Beshear, said he didn’t understand why drugs such as Suboxone are needed. “That’s not sobriety” to substitute one drug for another.

“It is hard to come off of Suboxone,” noted Glenda Shrum, Knott County Drug Court Coordinator and Chair of the Knott Drug Abuse Council. “Somebody has to educate these people as to how dangerous and addictive this is.”

Joel Thornberry, a Pikeville pharmacist and past-President of the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy, said the FDA should be able to require limits on the use of Suboxone.

“I am the one who put Chad (Webb) into jail,” commented Ron Burchett, a prosecuting attorney and member of the Pikeville Medical Center Board of Directors. “Suboxone is one of the most trafficked drugs on the street. Doctors are compassionate and want to help people, but sometimes they are naive.”

Participants in the roundtable discussion included:

• Nancy Hale, UNITE President/CEO
• Walter E. May, Pikeville Medical Center President/CEO
• Marionette Little, UNITE Service Corps Co-Director, Executive Board member of the UNITE Pike Coalition, and a career educator with the Pike County schools
• Chad Corum, a pharmacist who serves on the UNITE Board of Directors
• Cheryl Hickman, Pikeville Medical Center Vice-President and Assistant to the President/CEO
• Claudia Greenwood, Chair of the Knox County UNITE Coalition
• Glenda Shrum, Knott County Drug Court Coordinator and Chair of the Knott Drug Abuse Council
• Emily Waller, a UNITE Scholarship recipient whose family was impacted because of addiction
• Van Ingram, Dxecutive Director of the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy
• Dave Hopkins, who oversees the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) program within the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services/li>
• Dr. William T. Fannin, a Pikeville physician who lost a son to an overdose and serves as Medical Director for Appalachian Hospice Care
• Joel Thornberry, a Pikeville pharmacist and past-President of the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy
• Chad Webb, one of the first UNITE Voucher program recipients who was recently pardoned by former Governor Steve Beshear
• Rodney Scott, Pike County Sheriff and former Jailer who oversaw WestCare Kentucky’s jail drug treatment programs
• Dr. WIlliam T. Betz, Chair of the Pikeville Osteopathic Medical School.
• Russell Roberts, Pike County Coroner
• Tom Salyer, Johnson County Schools Superintendent
• Dr. David Weber, Pikeville Medical Center Pain Management Specialist
• Dr. Jerry King, Pikeville Medical Center Chief of Staff
• Dr. Aaron Crum, Pikeville Medical Center Chief Medical Officer
• Ron Burchett, a prosecuting attorney and member of the Pikeville Medical Center Board of Directors