In November, the number of community service hours from Drug Court participants almost doubled, according to Operation UNITE’s monthly update on efforts to combat substance abuse in its 32-county service area.

“Drug courts are an important part of anti-drug efforts,” UNITE President/CEO Nancy Hale said. “They help participants obtain treatment while encouraging them to pursue job and educational opportunities. In addition, drug court participants pay fines and must complete community service.”

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The report details Operation UNITE’s efforts to combat substance abuse in its 32-county service area. Highlights from November include:

Investigations

  • 41 tipline calls were received with 21,820 calls received since inception. Report suspected drug activity toll-free: 1-866-424-4382.

Drug Courts

  • During November, there were 510 active participants in drug courts within the UNITE service area. Of those, 361 were employed and 111 were pursuing education.
  • The courts collected $6,054 in fines, restitution and court costs, along with $2,946 in child support in November. Since inception those totals are $1.38 million and $918,000, respectively.
  • There were 10,152 hours of community service completed in November.

Treatment

  • 15 people entered treatment in November using a UNITE Treatment Voucher.
  • Since inception, 4,120 have entered treatment.

Education/UNITE Coalitions
UNITE and its coalitions held a total of 137 activities in November, such as:

  • The Bell County Coalition held a training session on how to administer Naloxone to people who have overdosed.
  • The Knox County Coalition has sponsored a yearlong drug prevention billboard.
  • Several coalitions continued Red Ribbon Week drug prevention activities.
  • In Perry County, “One Way to Play” was held to educate student athletes about the dangers of drugs. More than 75 people attended, and former Cincinnati Reds player Doug Flynn spoke.
  • In Carter County, coalition members are working with a researcher on a scientific article on youth drug prevention efforts.