U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin will address the need for major public health initiatives across many fields during the first National Rx Drug Abuse Summit in April.

“The negative impacts of substance abuse span a broad spectrum, including health care costs, public safety, economic development and social services. As ‘America’s Doctor,’ Dr. Benjamin is on the front-line of responding to this crisis,” said Karen Kelly, president/CEO of Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education), a Kentucky-based organization coordinating the event.

The Summit, which will be held in Florida April 10-12, 2012, is intended to foster better understanding and cooperation between a broad range of stakeholders – state and national leaders, law enforcement officials, medical professionals, community advocates, treatment experts, educators, private industry leaders, and others – who are finding success in battling this nationwide epidemic.

The National Prevention Strategy recognizes that good health comes not just from receiving quality medical care, but also from healthy homes, safe outdoor spaces, safe worksites, proper nutrition and physical activity.

“Every American family is impacted by prescription medication misuse and diversion. Our youth are especially vulnerable,” Kelly noted. “Dr. Benjamin, who is tasked with implementing prevention strategies, brings an expertise to the Summit that will help identify data-driven policies and solutions.”

Dr. Benjamin, the 18th Surgeon General of the United States, provides the public with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and the health of the nation. She also oversees the operational command of 6,500 uniformed health officers who serve in locations around the world to promote and protect the health of the American people.

Dr. Benjamin is founder and former CEO of the Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic in Alabama, former associate dean for rural health at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile, and past chair of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States.

She is a member of the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She was a Kellogg National Fellow and a Rockefeller Next Generation Leader.

Dr. Benjamin has a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Xavier University, New Orleans; attended Morehouse School of Medicine; received her M.D. from the University of Alabama, Birmingham; and has an MBA from Tulane University. She has 15 honorary doctorates.

Joining Dr. Benjamin as a keynote presenter during the Summit will be:

• Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health, one of the nation’s foremost experts on the neurological effects of drug addiction.

• R. Gil Kerlikowske, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), who has identified prescription drug abuse as a top priority for public health in the United States.

• Hon. Joseph T. Rannazzisi, deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Diversion Control in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), an expert in preventing, detecting and investigating the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals.

R. Gil Kerlikowske, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), has identified prescription drug abuse as a top priority for public health in the United States.

“Mr. Kerlikowske is very aware of the devastating impacts of prescription drug abuse and diversion,” said Karen Kelly, president/CEO of Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education), a Kentucky-based organization coordinating the event. “The Prevention Plan unveiled last year by the ONDCP recognizes the need to take a balanced approach between education, monitoring, proper disposal and enforcement efforts.”

The Summit, which will be held in Florida April 10-12, 2012, is intended to foster better understanding and cooperation between all groups – state and national leaders, law enforcement officials, medical professionals, community advocates, treatment experts, educators, private industry leaders, and others – who are finding success in battling this nationwide epidemic.

“Diversion of prescription medications from their legitimate medical uses impacts every American, not only through the devastating personal toll exacted on individuals and their families, but on an economic level as well,” Kelly stated. “This Summit encourages proactive dialogue with national experts to identify data-driven policies and solutions.”

Prior to his confirmation, Kerlikowske served as deputy director for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, and was police commissioner of Buffalo, New York. Most of his law enforcement career was served in the St. Petersburg Police Department in Florida.

He was twice elected to be president of the Major Cities Chiefs, which is comprised of the largest city and county law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada, and was also elected president of the Police Executive Research Forum.

In 2011, Kerlikowske received the American Medical Association’s Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service.

Joining Kerlikowske as a keynote presenter during the Summit will be:

• Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health, one of the nation’s foremost experts on the neurological effects of drug addiction.

• Hon. Joseph T. Rannazzisi, deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Diversion Control in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), an expert in preventing, detecting and investigating the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals.

Company officials provided the third annual $100,000 installment of a five-year pledge to the UNITE Foundation in a brief ceremony held Wednesday, Dec. 14, in Hazard.

The funding is used to provide treatment vouchers to low-income residents of Perry, Knott, Leslie and Letcher counties. In addition, a portion of the money is used to support Drug Court programs in each of these counties.

KRP President Fred N. Parker said the donation is in keeping with his company’s philosophy to provide as much support as possible to schools, families and organizations within their service region.

In announcing the five-year, $500,000 pledge in January 2010, Parker noted his board of directors “felt this is one of the best investments we could make.”

Over the past two years, 45 people from the four target counties have entered a treatment program using KRP’s funding, said Karen Kelly, UNITE’s director.

For those who qualify, UNITE treatment vouchers pay up to $3,000 for short-term treatment (up to 89 days) or up to $5,000 for long-term treatment (90 days or more).

“These are people who need – and want – treatment for their addiction but may not have the financial resources,” Kelly said. “Kentucky River Properties recognizes this need and has made a commitment to helping out.”

With approximately 1,400 calls to UNITE’s treatment line (1-866-908-6483) each month, sometimes there is a waiting list for assistance. The funding from KRP virtually eliminates the wait for individuals in the four counties, Kelly added.

Funds requested by the Drug Court programs are used to provide resources to help participants meet basic one-time needs.

“The recovery process can be overwhelming,” Kelly noted. “Often this extra help makes the difference in whether or not an addict graduates and ultimately changes his or her lifestyle once and for all.”

Kentucky River Properties is a land company formed in 2001 after a restructuring of its parent company, Kentucky River Coal Corporation.

Law enforcement officers from Operation UNITE, the Hazard Police Department, Kentucky State Police and Perry County Sheriff’s Office attempted to locate these suspects in a roundup conducted Monday, December 12.

The arrests follow a six-month investigation conducted by UNITE, the Hazard Police Department and KSP into the trafficking of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Methadone.

Several of those sought have previously been arrested by UNITE or other agencies on drug-related offenses.

As of 2 p.m. Monday, 10 of the 14 suspects had been charged and lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Detention Center.

• Rocky Caudill, 45, Mountain Avenue, Hazard, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance second offense.

• Elijah Combs Jr., 58, Brookfield Lane, Hazard, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender.

• Elmer Combs, 64, Gregory Branch, Hazard, four counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance second offense.

• Gregory Combs, 44, Town Mountain, Hazard, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

• Shirley Combs, 44, Mountain Avenue, Hazard, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

• Fallon Hall, 29, Highway 15, Vicco, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

• Romano Hensley, 50, Bulan Hiner Road, Bulan, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender.

• Elijah Walker, 46, Justice Drive, Hazard, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

• Johnny Williams, 33, Right Fork Rome Napier Branch, Hazard, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

• Willie Williams, 22, Right Fork Rome Napier Branch, Hazard, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Police are continuing their attempt to locate and arrest the remaining four suspects.

The Summit will take place April 10-12 in Florida, the heart of a prescription pill pipeline responsible for bringing approximately 60 percent of diverted drugs into the Central Appalachian region. The event will convene public and private stakeholders from across the country in sessions that highlight prevention, education, treatment and law enforcement efforts in addressing the prescription drug epidemic.

“The abuse of prescription medications has a far reaching impact on Appalachia,” stated ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl. “It devastates families, creates burdens for communities, and undermines the employability of the workforce.”

“ARC strongly supports Operation UNITE’s initiative to build interstate partnerships at the Summit, and supports the continuing education of medical professionals and community leaders engaged in the fight against drug abuse,” Gohl added.

“Diversion of prescription medications from their legitimate medical uses has become an epidemic that requires a coordinated national effort,” said Karen Kelly, director of UNITE. “Attendees will have an opportunity to learn from state and national leaders, law enforcement officials, medical professionals, community advocates, treatment experts, educators, private industry leaders, and others who are finding success in battling this epidemic.”

“In addition,” Kelly continued, “this Summit is intended to foster better understanding and cooperation between all groups – not just the medical community – and how that cooperation can lead to successful outcomes. The Summit will include discussion targeting issues faced by private sector employers.”

Conference programming, guided by a 10-member National Advisory Board, will be responsive to the needs of educators, community advocates, private industry, civic leaders, law enforcement officials, treatment experts in addition to the broad range of health care providers who represent the entire continuum of care.

UNITE has partnered with Inquisit, a division of Amerinet, to provide continuing education credits for a variety of professionals, including attorneys, counselors, social workers, physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners and pharmacists.

“The impact of prescription drug abuse is devastating,” Kelly said. “The economic cost of drug trafficking and abuse is $215 billion in the United States every year. Insurance companies alone lose $72.5 billion per year because of diversion. But the worst part is that more than 27,000 people lose their lives to addiction annually.”

“It is time to tackle this issue through a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach,” Kelly continued. “Many of the nation’s foremost experts will be leading conversations during the Summit.”

Forty-two percent of the ARC region’s population is rural, compared with 20 percent of the national population. Currently 22.8 percent of ARC counties are considered economically distressed.

The ARC is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state and local government. ARC’s mission is to be a strategic partner and advocate for sustainable community and economic development in a 205,000-square mile area spanning 420 counties in 13 states.

For more information about the Appalachian Regional Commission visit www.arc.gov. For more information about the Summit call 1-866-678-6483, visit www.NationalRxDrugAbuseSummit.org, or follow news about the event on Twitter using @RxSummit.

ABC Nightline National Correspondant Chris Bury and Producer Melia Patria went undercover with Operation UNITE and local law enforcement agencies in April 2011 examining the problems posed by pseudoephedrine – the only ingredient that must be used to produce methamphetamine.

In particular the special looked at “smurfing,” the process of paying individuals to get around laws restricting the amount of pseudoephedrine that can be purchased at any one time.

Their special report aired Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

• View video segment Click Here
• Read web article on ABC Click Here
• Read web article on Yahoo Click Here.
• View UNITE photos taken during Nightline visit April 12, 2011 Click Here.
• Read press release on arrests made during Nightline visit April 12, 2011 Click Here

The “Kentucky Medical Communities UNITED” program, hosted by Operation UNITE’s Medical Advisory Council at Allen Baptist Church, was the first of four state-wide forums to be offered through an Appalachian Regional Commission grant and in partnership with Pikeville Medical Center.

To view photos from the forum click here.

“Each of the forums is intended to offer a variety of viewpoints designed to get people thinking together about addiction and ways to approach treatment,” said Mike Vance, a member of the Medical Advisory Council and chair of the Floyd County UNITE Coalition. “We are not trying to promote one method over another.”

Dates and locations for the next three forums have not yet been finalized.

“Addiction is a disease,” noted Dr. William T. Fannin, a certified addiction medicine provider from Pikeville. “If we don’t treat it as such we’re not going to make any progress.”

“When I first started, we couldn’t have gotten 25 to 30 people together to talk about this issue,” Fannin added. “Your presence here today is encouraging.”

“We have a lot of doctors who simply do not know this disease,” commented Dr. Burns M. Brady, a board-certified family physician and addictionologist from Louisville. “Little by little the fingers of recovery come together.”

Those attending Saturday’s forum included physicians, physician assistants, nurses, dentists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, social workers, family therapists and certified alcohol and drug counselors.

Fannin, whose discussion centered on opiate/opioid addiction, explained that addiction is a brain disease that is characterized by two states: drug abuse (a problem caused by making bad choices) and chemical dependence (which takes away the body’s ability to be in control).

Improvements in neurobiology have greatly facilitated understanding about how addiction works, and thus the ability to provide appropriate treatments, Fannin said. But, “you can’t separate the mind, body and spirit” in treating addiction.

He likened the process to having a well-stocked toolbox. “None (of these tools) is the end all, but they all have their purpose,” so a comprehensive understanding of all options is essential.

Regardless of the method of treatment – which needs to include counseling and belief in some higher power – recovery from substance abuse dependence is a “voluntarily maintained lifestyle,” Fannin said.

Research during the past two decades, especially in human genetics, has unscrambled many of the mysteries, Brady said. “We now have an insight into this disease that we never had before.”

Brady, who struggled through his own addictions with amphetamines and alcohol, said he has never seen a successful recovery program that doesn’t include spirituality. Since then he has made it “his mission” to learn about and to share information about addiction.

“This is a multi-faceted disease and brain chemistry … is only a small part of it,” Brady said. “If (people) don’t learn a different way to live, you can give them every medicine on God’s green earth and it isn’t going to … minimize the risk.”

While today’s drug problems may have a resemblance to alcoholism of the past, it is a greatly different illness because “we are tormented with a whole lot more problems,” Brady said. Unfortunately, “sometimes the dragon wins.”

Helping put a face to the addiction problem were two recovering addicts who have successfully completed treatment at WestCare’s residential facility in Pike County. Each shared their story and reinforced the importance of having a strong support structure as they continue to stay clean.

Substance abuse disorders should be viewed as a lifestyle-related disease that is treatable, noted Vance, who presented an overview of the “PRIME For Life” program, which prepares addicts for the recovery process.

Rhonda Clark, a social worker/CADC with Van Ark Behavioral Management and Hope In The Mountains in Prestonsburg, encouraged those in attendance to involve themselves in efforts of UNITE’s Medical Advisory Council.

The Council was formally organized in April 2011 to aid in the fight against drug abuse and diversion through a process of education, accountability, monitoring and continual re-evaluation of what medical professionals do together. Members meet every fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the conference training room of the Big Sandy Area Development District, 100 Resource Drive, Prestonsburg.

“If you keep on fighting something good will happen,” Vance told the participants. “I encourage you to go out and do all that you can do.”

The 2012 Highlander – which has a suggested retail value of $47,517 – will be used by UNITE to fulfill transportation needs associated with its youth and treatment initiatives.

To view photos from presentation click here

In addition, UNITE was presented a Platinum Plan Extra Care Vehicle Service Agreement (valued at $2,000) by Toyota Financial Services and a complimentary maintenance program package by Toyota Motor Sales USA’s Cincinnati Region office.

“Toyota of Somerset is proud to have been a part of the Somerset-Pulaski County community since 1988,” said Larry Turpen, dealer/principal. “Supporting UNITE’s anti-drug education and treatment efforts is just another way we can be engaged with the good works of charitable organizations in this region.”

The Toyota 100 Cars for Good program is awarding 100 vehicles to non-profit organizations across the country as part of its corporate philanthropic efforts. One winner per day over a 100-day period was determined through a Facebook-enabled competition based upon public votes.

“Toyota is to be commended for its outreach to non-profit organizations,” said Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers. “For many families, the lack of adequate transportation, especially throughout rural southern and eastern Kentucky, can be a formidable barrier to services and opportunities.”

“Reaching more kids with the message of hope and ensuring those seeking to turn their lives away from addiction are key focuses of UNITE,” Rogers said. “The new vehicle will enable UNITE to better meet these needs.”

Specifically, UNITE Director Karen Kelly noted that each summer there are dozens of students wishing to attend Camp UNITE – a free five-day, four-night leadership/adventure program for middle school students held at the University of the Cumberlands – but are unable to find a ride. “This new vehicle will help us transport these children to camp,” she said.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing-Kentucky’s Corporate Contributions Program in Georgetown has been the primary sponsor for Camp UNITE since 2008, Rogers said, noting “Toyota’s commitment to youth has been exceptional.”

In addition, UNITE’s staff will use the Highlander when meeting one-on-one with individuals who have received assistance through the treatment voucher program, who are seeking help for an addiction, or needing transportation to a treatment program.

“Just this past week our treatment team received calls from two individuals without transportation to treatment,” Kelly said. “These are folks wanting to get their lives back in order. We want to be able to provide assistance.”

Finally, the vehicle provides additional space to carry learning materials and tools needed to implement educational activities throughout the region and will be available to provide assistance to communities affected by natural disasters or in times of crisis.

Representing Toyota at the ceremony were Bob Burton, Cincinnati Region Sales Manager for Toyota Motor Sales USA, and Kristin Schoenig, Toyota Financial Services Area Sales Manager. The ceremony also included testimony from Casey Eastridge of Jackson County, a voucher recipient, and singing of the National Anthem by Courtney Owens of McCreary County.

Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $500 million to non-profit organizations and has been guided by a strong belief in serving the communities where it does business. To learn more, please visit www.toyota.com/about/philanthropy/.

Program Timeline

• March 1, 2011 – Toyota announces its 100 Cars for Good program, which will award 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving non-profit organizations based on votes from the public.

• March 7, 2011 – Registrations from 501c(3) non-profit organizations start being accepted through Toyota’s Facebook page.

• March 21, 2011 – Close of registration period. An independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and social responsibility begin process of selecting 500 finalist organizations based on applicant’s need, potential impact of vehicle use, geographic diversity, diversity of populations served, and diversity of organizations’ missions. Once notified, finalists create 2-minute video and create an online profile.

• May 9, 2011 – Public voting begins and continues for 100 days (through August 16). Each day, five organizations are profiled on Toyota’s Facebook page and voters select the charity they feel is most deserving of the vehicle.

• June 26 – Operation UNITE emerges victorious with more votes than four other non-profit organizations – the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, Cincinnati Ballet Company, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida and SPCA Cincinnati.

This is the fourth year Operation UNITE has received funding for the initiative through a grant awarded by Corporation for National and Community Service.

The UNITE Service Corps program provides math tutoring, teaches the “Too Good for Drugs” and “Take 10” wellness curriculums, and coordinates anti-drug UNITE Clubs at each location.

A total of 28 full-time AmeriCorps members will serve students at 35 schools in 11 counties this year, said Debbie Trusty, education director for UNITE.

To view list of Service Corps members and schools served Click Here.

UNITE’s efforts have received statewide acclaim.

This past year, the UNITE Service Corps was awarded the “Governor’s Citation” for excellent leadership and service to others “because of your demonstration of integrity and ability” by Eileen Cackowski, state director of the Kentucky Commission for Community and Volunteer Services in the Cabinet for Human Services.

“The success we have seen has been phenomenal,” noted Eugene Newsome, who coordinates UNITE’s Service Corps. “We have consistently exceeded our goals.”

Statistics from the 2010-11 school year demonstrate the impact of UNITE’s Service Corps:

• 1,793 students at 37 schools completed the 10-lesson Too Good For Drugs curriculum. This program’s focus is on resistance skills, role-playing, and decision-making skills to avoid using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

• 752 community volunteers were recruited to assist with UNITE Club activities.

• 4,751 hours of volunteer service were provided to the schools served by AmeriCorps members.

• 119 educational presentations were made to community organizations to recruit volunteers.

• 37 anti-drug UNITE Clubs (fourth grade and above) were established in schools by Service Corps members. There were approximately 2,200 student members of these clubs.

• 997 third grade or younger students were mentored in drug education, prevention and resistance strategies by UNITE Club members.

During the 2008-09 school year UNITE employed 10 AmeriCorps members at schools in six counties through a three-year grant awarded by Corporation for National and Community Service. An additional five members were added in the 2009-10 school year with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The program was expanded to 24 full-time and 9 part-time members in 11 counties last school year.

Each participating school contributes $5,500 toward the salary of the AmeriCorps member.

The Corporation for National and Community Service improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. As the nation’s largest grant maker in support of service and volunteering, CNCS engages more than five million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to their communities each year.

In exchange for a year of full-time service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be used to pay for college or graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans.

This grant, announced Tuesday, Sept. 27, is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Community Transformation Grants to support public health efforts to reduce chronic diseases, promote healthier lifestyles, reduce health disparities, and control health care spending.

“Promoting healthy lifestyle choices is already an essential component of UNITE’s drug prevention and education programs,” said Karen Kelly, UNITE director. “This Community Transformation Grant will facilitate development of many partnerships so we can address, with a unified voice, risky health behaviors and associated preventable illnesses and premature death rates.”

UNITE is one of 26 grantees to receive a capacity-building award to implement changes by laying a solid foundation for community prevention efforts to ensure long-term success. The grant is expected to run for five years, with projects expanding their scope and reach over time as resources permit.

“UNITE is uniquely positioned to expand its focus because of its education and prevention programs already being provided within the 29-county Fifth Congressional District,” Kelly noted. “Through our 30 community coalitions and Medical Advisory Council, UNITE has developed a solid organizational infrastructure, a capacity building model which has been extensively field tested, and proven record for coordinating program activities with local organizations.”

Overall, HHS awarded approximately $103 million in prevention grants to 61 states and communities, reaching more than 120 million Americans. The Community Transformation Grants will support the planning and implementation of state and community projects proven to reduce chronic diseases – such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Grantees serve one of five different areas: A large county (population over 500,000), an entire state, a state minus its large counties, a tribe, or a territory.

UNITE will serve 119 counties (excluding Jefferson) through the grant. The region boosts a population of nearly 3.6 million residents, of which about half (1.8 million) live in the state’s 85 rural counties – primarily the Appalachian and Mississippi Delta regions.

“Substance abuse, especially prescription drug use, is a major threat to Kentuckians,” Kelly said, noting that 96 counties saw increased rates of prescriptions dispensed for controlled substances from 2006-08 according to data from Kentucky’s All-Scheduled Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) system.

“Many of the focus areas of this grant, if not addressed early, ultimately lead to increased risk for substance abuse and mental illness disorders,” Kelly said.

“Kentucky is one of the unhealthiest states in the nation,” Kelly continued. “By collaborating with local, regional and state groups, and soliciting community feedback, we will develop a plan to increase awareness and identify systems and strategies to meet specific health and behavioral goals.”