CHAMPIONSGATE, FL – A national outcry about the human cost of prescription drug abuse is needed if efforts to stop this national epidemic are to be successful, participants at the second National Rx Drug Abuse Summit were told. “When are we going to take it seriously, because in the end these are friends and family members” who are paying for the cost of addiction, said Joseph Rannazzisi, deputy administrator for the DEA’s Office of Diversion Control,...

Symposia to educate medical providers about prescription drug abuse and diversion will be conducted at four locations across Kentucky this spring. These free “Kentucky Medical Communities UNITEd” forums – presented by the Appalachian Regional Commission, Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, and Operation UNITE – are scheduled for Morehead (April 13), Paintsville (April 27), Bowling Green (May 11) and Manchester (June 8). Presenters at each location will...

BEATTYVILLE – Operation UNITE made its 4,000th drug-related arrest during a roundup of suspected dealers in Lee County on Friday, February 22. “This is a significant milestone for UNITE’s Law Enforcement Drug Task Force,” said Paul Hays, UNITE law enforcement director. Law enforcement officers had arrested 17 of 25 individuals sought in the sweep and seized a small quantity of marijuana by mid-afternoon. UNITE detectives have been investigating reports of...

NEW YORK, NY – Tom Vicini, a long-time Harlan County Little League coach and coalition coordinator for Operation UNITE, was honored by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and Major League Baseball Charities with their third annual Commissioner’s Play Healthy Award. The award was presented by Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher C.J. Wilson during The Partnership at Drugfree.org’s annual gala at Gotham Hall on Tuesday, December 4. “Tom Vicini, he’s my new...

FRENCHBURG — James Botts, a long-time member of Operation UNITE’s Drug Task Force, was named Deputy of the Year by the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association earlier this fall. Botts, who works through the Menifee County Sheriff’s Office, was honored for his humanitarian efforts following the devastating March 2 tornado outbreak. “This young man stands out as a man who went above and beyond the call of duty,” Menifee County Judge-Executive James D. Trimble...

HAZARD – Residents of four Kentucky River-area counties will continue to receive help obtaining substance abuse treatment because of the concern of a local corporation. Kentucky River Properties, LLC, was recognized for their philanthropic gift to the UNITE Foundation during the recent Bluegrass Forum on Substance Abuse held at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. Company officials presented its fourth $100,000 check to UNITE in a ceremony featuring U.S. Congressman...

PRESTONSBURG – State leaders joined Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers in pledging strong, bi-partisan support of efforts to curb prescription drug abuse during a forum held Monday night at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. More than 400 people attended the Bluegrass Policy Forum on Substance Abuse, held at the Wilkinson-Stumbo Conference Center, to learn about current anti-drug efforts and what more needs to be accomplished. The forum raised more than $75,000 for...