January infographic-webThe amount of child support collected by drug courts in the UNITE service region during January doubled from the previous month.

This statistic was included in Operation UNITE’s monthly update on efforts to combat substance abuse in its 32-county service area.

“Drug courts are so important in efforts to help those struggling with a substance use problem,” said UNITE President/CEO Nancy Hale. “They are instrumental in giving people a second chance to be productive citizens, as well as helping families and the community by collecting fines, restitution and child support.”

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

Investigations
45 tipline calls were received with 21,837 calls received since inception. People can report suspected drug activity toll-free by calling 1-866-424-4382.

Drug Courts

  • During January, there were 482 active participants in drug courts within the UNITE service area. Of those, 321 were employed and 111 were pursuing education.
  • The courts collected $5,665 in fines, restitution and court costs, along with $6,150 in child support in January. Since inception those totals are $1.39 million and $927,485, respectively.
  • There were 7,662 hours of community service completed in January.

Treatment

  • 17 people entered treatment in January using a UNITE Treatment Voucher.
  • Since inception, 4,161 have entered treatment.

Education/UNITE Coalitions
UNITE and its coalitions held a total of 110 activities in January, including:

  • Agencies in Pulaski County distributed 48 free Give Me a Reason drug-testing kits.
  • Two new Celebrate Recovery programs are starting in Floyd County.
  • In Owsley County, the coalition serves as the host every Tuesday for a youth mentoring program called Engage.