LONDON – Knott County’s Drug Abuse Council has been named a recipient of Operation UNITE’s “Rising Above” Award for inspiring leadership, purpose and passion in the region through enactment of its pain clinic ordinance.
The award was presented by Gil Kerlikowske, White House Director for Drug Policy, and Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers during a celebration dinner at the London Community Center Wednesday, February 23.
“Because of an increase in overdose deaths related to prescription drugs obtained at ‘pill mill’ type pain clinics, the Knott Drug Abuse Council sought ways to save lives by putting these facilities out of business,” said Karen Kelly, director of UNITE. “Together with County Attorney Tim Bates and Assistant County Attorney Randy Slone, an ordinance went into effect on December 13, 2010, banning these types of pain management clinics.”
At least three other counties in Eastern Kentucky are also considering such bans.
Accepting the award were Program Director Lola Patterson and Coalition Chair Glenda Shrum.