All school-age youth are invited to participate in the Shoot Hoops Not Drugs programs at the following dates and locations:

• Tuesday, June 5 – Rowan County, the old middle school gym, 415 West Sun Street, Morehead.

• Thursday, June 7 – Clay County, Clay County Middle School, 239 Richmond Road, Manchester.

• Monday, June 18 – Martin County, Sheldon Clark High School, 1825 Blacklog Road, Inez.

• Tuesday, June 19 – Whitley County, Boston Elementary School, 3291 Highway 1804, Williamsburg.

• Thursday, June 21 – Magoffin County, South Magoffin Elementary School, 171 Half Mountain Road, Saylersville.

Each camp begins at 4 p.m. and concludes about 7 p.m. Participants are asked to arrive 30 minutes early to complete registration.

Shoot Hoops Not Drugs camps provide basketball skills instruction in conjunction with anti-drug and self-esteem messages.

Participants are asked not to wear open-toe shoes or sandals.

All participants will receive a free event T-shirt, regulation basketball, food and water, and be entered into a drawing for two portable basketball goals given away at the conclusion of each camp (must be present to win).

Presented by Phoenix Products, Shoot Hoops Not Drugs camps are fun, interactive, and provide a safe, drug-free activity where children have an opportunity to interact with positive role models while learning fundamental basketball skills.

In addition, parents and guardians will have an opportunity to attend a UNITE Foundation education program on how to talk to their children about drugs. Information on the signs, symptoms and dangers posed by drugs will also be given.

As a senior at the University of Kentucky, Sheppard was named the NCAA’s Final Four Most Valuable Player in the Wildcats’ 1997-98 National Championship season. He would later go on to play one season with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and 3 years in Italy.

Helping make the 2012 Shoot Hoops Not Drugs camps possible are: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kentucky, Codell Construction, Lightyear Network Solutions, Senture, Walmart of Eastern Kentucky, and WestCare.

Since 2006, UNITE has conducted 38 regional camps with 5,055 youth participants representing 53 Kentucky counties, 11 other states and one other country.

Wainscott, branch manager for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP), was reacting to the inaugural performances of “The Dionysus Project: Addiction Takes Center Stage” in Manchester and Hazard on May 3.

Featuring four acclaimed New York actors, the dramatic reading from the ancient Greek play, Euripides’ Bacchae, and accompanying town hall meetings were part of a new innovative collaboration between The Partnership at Drugfree.org and Outside the Wire. The event was co-sponsored locally by Operation UNITE and ODCP.

More than 469 people attended the two programs.

To view photos click here

“That was an amazing program, probably on of the best days I’ve had in ODCP. What was so awesome were the moving stories that came after the performance,” Wainscott said. “I was blown away by (the blending of Greek tragedy with Eastern Kentucky. You could hear a pin drop when that was going on.”

“This play is a warning. We have the same things happening right now,” said one audience member during a question and comment session. “It’s everybody’s responsibility.”

Cast members performing at both locations included:

• Kathleen Chalfant, who received a Tony nomination for “Angels in America” and an OBIE Award for “Wit.”

• Adam Driver, recently seen in the film “J. Edgar” and currently staring in the HBO series “Girls.”

• Jesse Eisenberg, who received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network” and played Columbus in the horror comedy “Zombieland.”

• Peter Frances James, a Broadway actor most recently seen in “the Merchant of Venice” but best known for playing Rosa Parks’ husband in “The Rosa Parks Story” and Jahfree Neema in the HBO series “Oz.”

The theatrical presentation – “a timeless human struggle” about addiction, noted artistic director Brian Doerries – served a catalyst for a panel discussion and town hall meeting at each location.

Panel members in Manchester were Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, Behavior Health Coordinator Deborah Anderson from Baptist Health Systems, Clay Countians UNITED Co-Chair and recovering addict Melanda Adams of Manchester, and Kentucky Senator Robert Stivers.

The true tragedy of substance abuse, Rogers stated, is “the collateral damage to our kids.”

His point was illustrated by emotional comments made by several high school students attending the Hazard presentation.

“You see this every day. It really alters the way you think,” stated one young lady. Lots of students want to fit in and “get caught up in this deception. You see so many beautiful and talented people fall.”

“I am more of an adult than my parents,” added another student.

Panel members in Hazard were Perry Circuit Court Judge Bill Engle, Director of Safe and Drug Free Schools (Pike County) Marionette Little, Pikeville Medical Center Pharmacist Cassee Jones, and motivational speaker and recovering addict Josh Huffman of Pikeville.

“Addiction does not discriminate. It affects every family,” said Jones. “It’s really destroyed so many different lives.”

Huffman said he has seen “the tragedy of death so close at hand. … It brings such shame to us as a people.”

“If we focus on the problem it’s going to get bigger. We have to focus on the solutions,” said Karen Kelly, director of UNITE. “This is an ancient play, written 2,400 years ago, so this isn’t a new problem. In the two hours we’ll spend here today we’ll lose 8 people (to prescription drugs).”

Producing Director Phyllis Kaufman said the collaboration was a success, and they would use a lot of what they learned in Kentucky when The Dionysus Project is performed next in Los Angeles.

To view photos from the training click here.

Thirty-five individuals from community coalitions, treatment and recovery programs, schools and the state juvenile justice program attended the PACT360 training presented by a team from The Partnership at Drugfree.org in collaboration with Operation UNITE and the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.

The community prevention education system is designed to deal with existing drug issues and rapidly respond to emerging drug threats. The goal is to help reduce illicit drug use and its accompanying criminal behavior, thereby improving the safety and quality of life of the community.

Each of the multi-media outreach programs is designed to be presented by a team of law enforcement, treatment and prevention professionals and are designed to be tailored to address local issues, said Mike Townsend, director of community education for The Partnership.

The programs are intended to supplement, not supplant, ongoing initiatives within communities, Townsend added.

“We’re excited that The Partnership launched this in Kentucky,” said Heather Wainscott, branch manager for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. “We had a variety of organizations participate. All of our community coalitions are looking for anything new to bring people together. This is another tool that they can use.”

Begun in 2005, the PACT360 program initially focused solely on methamphetamine. It has since been expanded to include both parent (“Parents: You Matter”) and teen (wreckED) oriented presentations.

“The importance of educating parents, caregivers and youth about the substance abuse is critical. Our UNITE coalitions are taking the lead in addressing local issues, and programs such as PACT360 make it easier to reach this critical audience,” said Karen Kelly, director of UNITE.

“Not only do parents need to know about drugs and what to look for, they need to understand how to intervene and find treatment for drug and alcohol abuse,” Kelly continued. “This is why education programs are so important.”

“You’re making it a reality for people,” noted Amy Bloustine, deputy director of community education programs for The Partnership.

Those receiving the training May 3 will be available to present the various program components to other groups and organizations.

PACT360 is funded through a U.S. Department of Justice grant. To date, more than 2,300 individuals have received this training with more than 44,000 attendees at community presentations.

To learn more about PACT360 contact Amy Bloustine, deputy director, community education programs, at 212-973-3548 or amy_bloustine@drugfree.org.

Company officials presented a $17,000 check to the Operation UNITE Foundation during a ceremony at Eastern Kentucky University’s Manchester Campus on Thursday, May 3. Accepting the donation was Karen Kelly, who heads the organization.

Representing Alpha Natural Resources were Wayne Keaton, president of Maxxim Rebuild Company, and Harry Childress, community involvement coordinator for Southern Kentucky and a member of the company’s Government Relations team.

“Involvement in the community has always been a top priority for Alpha Natural Resources,” Keaton commented. “We have chosen to partner with Operation UNITE as a way to help reduce drug abuse and reach families – through prevention measures and treatment centers throughout the region.”

Alpha, whose corporate offices are located in Bristol, Virginia, is a leading global coal company and the world’s third largest metallurgical coal supplier. They produce, process and sell steam and metallurgical coal from approximately 150 active mines and 40 coal preparation plants located throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Wyoming.

The company’s Community Involvement Program also supports environmental partnerships, fuel assistance and weatherization programs, youth and youth programs that build character, as well as programs that promote drug resistance education.

“We are excited to have Alpha Natural Resources as a partner for Camp UNITE,” Kelly stated. “It takes many volunteers and concerned businesses to provide this experience to these youth each year. I applaud Alpha’s management and employees for having the vision and leadership to help create meaningful and lasting changes in our region.”

Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, who created UNITE in 2003, attended the ceremony and also expressed his appreciation to Alpha Natural Resources.

Camp UNITE is a free 4-day, 3-night leadership/adventure program for youth entering grades 7-9. This year’s sixth annual camp will be held July 24-27 on the campus of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg.

While at camp, students stay in the college dorms and are placed in small teams under the guidance of trained youth counselors and supervised by adult staff and volunteers.

Activities during camp are designed to develop leadership and communication skills, promote teamwork and problem solving, instill confidence and trust, and let youth know they do not have to face difficult situations on their own.

One of the most valuable components of camp is the peer mentorship and positive role models provided by high school and college students who serve as camp counselors. In 2011, UNITE utilized the leadership of 55 youth counselors, 36 adult staff/volunteers, and more than three dozen community volunteers.

Since its inception, Camp UNITE has hosted 916 youth from 29 counties.

Alpha Natural Resources joins Toyota Motor Manufacturing-Kentucky in Georgetown and the University of the Cumberlands as primary sponsors for Camp UNITE 2012.

Campership sponsors include: William and Kaye Baird of Pikeville, Stan Baker of Corbin; Misha Gover of Monticello, the Jean Kelly Memorial Fund, Mike Long’s Pic Pac/Galaxy Supermarket of Pineville, Mullins Elementary School UNITE Club, Northern Middle School parents, Phelps Elementary School UNITE Club, Red River Valley Elementary School UNITE Club, Rogers Elementary School UNITE Club, and the Somerset High School UNITE Club.

“The Dionysus Project: Addiction Takes Center Stage” is an innovative public health collaboration between The Partnership at Drugfree.org, Outside the Wire, Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy and Operation UNITE.

At both locations, acclaimed film, television and Broadway actors will perform dramatic readings from the ancient Greek play, Euripides’ Bacchae, about the destructive power of intoxication.

Cast members include:

• Kathleen Chalfant, who received a Tony nomination for “Angels in America” and an OBIE Award for “Wit.”

• Adam Driver, recently seen in the feature film “J. Edgar” and the HBO series “Girls.”

• Jesse Eisenberg, who received an Oscar nomination for “The Social Network.”

• Peter Frances James, a Broadway actor most recently seen in “The Merchant of Venice.”

The theatrical presentation serves as a catalyst for a panel discussion and town hall meeting focusing on the impact substance abuse and addiction has on individuals, families and communities.

Supported by a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the readings will be translated, directed and facilitated by Bryan Doerries and produced by Phyllis Kaufman of Outside the Wire. The presentations will focus heavily on abuse of prescription medicine, an issue that prominently affects the Appalachia area.

The performance will be followed by a panel discussion featuring community experts and affected parties, and will culminate in a facilitated town hall discussion of the complex challenges posed by addiction.

Manchester panelists include: Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, Southeast Community and Technical College President Dr. Bruce Ayers, Behavior Health Coordinator Deborah Anderson of Baptist Health Systems, and Clay Countians UNITED Co-Chair Melanda Adams of Manchester.

Hazard event panelists include Perry Circuit Court Judge Bill Engle, Director of Safe and Drug Free Schools (Pike County Public Schools) Marionette Little, Pikeville Medical Center Pharmacist Cassee Jones, and Josh Huffman of Pikeville.

A town hall discussion to elicit community opinion will conclude the event.

The Manchester program begins at 1:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Stivers Building at Eastern Kentucky University’s Manchester Regional Campus, 50 University Drive, in downtown Manchester. The Hazard program begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Perry County Public Library, 289 Black Gold Blvd.

Although these events are free, those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by Friday, April 27, due to limited seating. Reservations can be made by contacting Koula Oakley at 1-606-330-1400 or by e-mail to koakley@centertech.com.

“The goal of ‘The Dionysus Project’ is to educate and engage participants so that they can examine their own attitudes, or even biases, toward young people struggling with addiction,” said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. “We are confident that this event, part of our community education efforts, will facilitate much-needed conversation around the myths and misunderstanding that surround substance abuse, particularly in Appalachia as it has been profoundly impacted by this issue.”

The reading/discussion format is designed to help break down the stigma associated with substance abuse and addiction and to promote healthy dialogue to foster compassion, cooperation and understanding.

The Partnership at Drugfree.org and Outside the Wire chose Euripides’ Bacchae, a 2,500-year-old tragedy, to engage audiences in crucial discussions about the timelessness of the human struggle with substance abuse and addiction. The play explores the allure and the destructive power of drugs and alcohol through the tragic downfall of a single family over the course of one day, revealing how family members play a critical role in modeling attitudes and behaviors for children regarding alcohol and drugs, and exposing how the introduction of a new drug can annihilate a community.

To learn more about “The Dionysus Project,” contact events@drugfree.org or call 212-973-3546 or visit the “Events” page at drugfree.org.

About The Partnership at Drugfree.org
Ninety percent of addictions start in the teenage years. The Partnership at Drugfree.org is dedicated to helping families solve the problem of teen substance abuse. Bringing together renowned scientists, parent experts and communications professionals, this public health nonprofit translates research on teen behavior, parenting, addiction and treatment into useful and effective resources at drugfree.org. Its You Are Not Alone campaign is dedicated to supporting families of the 11 million teens and young adults who need addiction treatment, while the organization’s community education programs reach families at the grassroots level. The Partnership at Drugfree.org mission to help parents prevent, intervene in and find treatment for drug and alcohol use by their children depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector. We are thankful to SAG/AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity.

About the Stavros Niarchos Foundation
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (www.SNF.org), an international philanthropic organization, makes grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and medicine, and social welfare. While prominent in its support of Greek-related initiatives, the Foundation’s activities are worldwide in scope. Since the beginning of its grant making efforts in 1996, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation has provided total grant commitments of $1,165,000,000 through more than 1,800 grants to nonprofit organizations in 90 nations around the world.

Healthcare, Advocacy & Prevention, Human Resources, Treatment and Law Enforcement were among the categories attendees could choose. Numerous notable speakers spearheaded the breakout sessions. Among them were: the Honorable Jackie L. Steele, Jr., Commonwealth Attorney; Regina LaBelle, Policy Director, White House ONDCP; and Mary Bono Mack, U.S. Representative, California – 45.

The afternoon sessions were focused on providing attendees with specialized information about different areas of the prescription drug abuse epidemic. These sessions were directed at attracting professionals within the medical and legal professions, as many counted toward continuing education credits for these professionals.

Several sessions included thorough discussions about dependence and treatment. Others focused on the collaboration of states and coordination of agencies within the states, and at the federal level, to combat prescription drug abuse.

The Summit, which runs through tomorrow afternoon, Thursday, April 12, is intended to foster better understanding and cooperation between law enforcement, medical professionals, state and national leaders, among others, who are finding success in battling this nationwide epidemic.

The Interstate Drug Monitoring Efficiency and Data Sharing (ID MEDS) Act, H.R. 4292, creates an efficient, cost-effective system for states to share information from prescription drug monitoring programs (PMPs). Forty-eight states have authorized PDMPs to facilitate the exchange of information among doctors, pharmacists and authorized law enforcement, but currently, there is no national standard for the exchange of such information across state lines.

“While my region of Southern and Eastern Kentucky became ground zero for the abuse of prescription drugs a decade ago, it is now wreaking havoc on communities small and large and cutting across socioeconomic and gender lines. Prescription drug monitoring programs (PMPs) are one of the most efficient and cost-effective tools in our arsenal to cut back on this abuse, bridging the gap between legitimate medical need and potential misuse,” stated Rogers, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Now that 48 states have authorized PMPs, it is high time we get these systems linked up to eliminate the interstate doctor shopping which has been fueling the pill pipeline around our country,” Rogers continued. “The ID MEDS Act paves the way for secure prescription data exchange so that doctors and pharmacists around the country will be able to make informed decisions about prescribing these powerful drugs, and law enforcement can more easily root out corrupt drug dealers. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important legislation.”

State-run prescription drug monitoring programs (PMPs) help track vital prescription data so that doctors and pharmacists know when a prescription is being abused, and investigators can identify over-prescribing problems.

In 2002, Rogers and Rep. Wolf established a grant program in the U.S. Department of Justice to support states that plan for, establish or enhance existing PMPs. Since that time, the number of states with authorized PDMPs has tripled from 15 to 48; however, a secure interstate exchange of data among these PMPs will be critical to reducing the interstate doctor shopping that has fueled the pill pipeline in our country.

The ID MEDS Act would ensure secure and reliable interstate exchange of data from prescription drug monitoring programs by establishing a nationally standardized system to share such information. The creation of the system would result in the following:

• Secure, standardized encryption of protected health information and personally identifiable information;

• Protection of state technology investment by avoiding costly rework or having to develop an interface with several hubs in order to share with other states; and

• Provision of an open-standard formatting methodology for sharing data.

The legislation also requires a report to analyze the feasibility of making PMPs interoperable with other relevant technologies and databases, including electronic prescribing systems, DEA databases, electronic health records, and pre-payment fraud-detecting analytics technologies.

“With prescription drug abuse reaching epidemic proportions in the U.S., we need to work together to fight this problem, which is plaguing too many families and communities,” said Portman. “In Ohio there has been a drastic increase in the distribution of prescription drugs over recent years to the point where overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death. Our bill would strengthen states’ ability to monitor and track prescription drug dispersion, which is a big step forward in the fight to prevent abuse.”

“The improper use of pain relievers and other prescription drugs poses a serious and growing threat to our communities, particularly to teens who are too often unaware of the dangers of misuse and abuse,” said Whitehouse. “Prescription drug overdoses kill more people in Rhode Island every year than car accidents. By standardizing the way states share prescription data, this important legislation would help our health and law enforcement professionals to better identify patterns of distribution and abuse, and ultimately to save lives.”

Each of these meth labs were cleaned up by detectives from Operation UNITE.

The flurry of activity began about 8 p.m. Sunday, March 18, in Rockcastle County when sheriff’s deputies discovered an active lab at the home of 44-year-old Stevie Spoonamore on Brindle Ridge Road in the Brodhead community.

Spoonamore and 30-year-old Michael Hopkins of Lancaster were each charged with manufacturing methamphetamine by the Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office.

On Monday, the Monticello Police Department was investigating a report of a man passed out at a home on Ridgewood Avenue about 10 a.m. and discovered he had two active one-step meth labs in his jacket pockets.

The chemical reaction occurring inside one of these containers caused a brief fire as detectives were attempting to neutralize the lab.

Baron Alexander, 41, of Cave City, was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine along with several outstanding arrest warrants.

Four separate instances of inactive meth labs being found along highways in Wayne County were also handled Monday. An inactive lab was found along a roadway in Rockcastle County on Tuesday.

Late Tuesday evening, Monticello Police received information on the possible location of two suspects wanted on manufacturing methamphetamine indictment warrants obtained by UNITE about two months ago.

When the city officers and deputies from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a home on North Second Street they discovered 39-year-old Angela Wallace and 35-year-old Joseph Wallace hiding in a closet and spotted materials used to manufacture meth.

After obtaining a search warrant, they located an active one-step meth lab and three other active “smokers” used in the manufacturing process.

The Wallaces, of Monticello, were served with the indictment warrants and were additionally charged with manufacturing methamphetamine by the Monticello Police Department. Additional charges on the couple are pending.

Finnigan, one of five intervention specialists on the Emmy award-winning reality series, has been involved in all areas of recovery for more than 20 years.

She received her training in chemical dependency from UCLA and completed her internship at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, where she worked in addiction services. Her intervention services are affiliated with: the Betty Ford Center, Sierra Tucson, The Meadows, Promises West and Malibu, Hazelden, Talbots, Caron, Astoria Point/Rosebriar, and The Ranch Recovery in Desert Hot Springs, among others.

“We are excited to welcome such a distinguished expert on addiction to the Summit. Ms. Finnigan will bring a unique perspective on recovery that will help those in attendance fully understand the consequences of addiction.” said Karen Kelly, president/CEO of Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education), a Kentucky-based organization coordinating the event.

Finnigan will participate as part of the Current Trends Keynote series on Wednesday, April 11, along with Dr. Ileana Arias, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack (CA-45th), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse.

Intervention profiles individuals “whose dependence on drugs and alcohol or other compulsive behavior has brought them to a point of personal crisis or estranged them from their friends and loved ones,” according to the show’s website. Each episode ends with a surprise intervention staged by the family and friends of the addict, and conducted by Finnigan or another specialist.

The Summit, which will be held in Florida April 10-12, 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.

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, on Facebook, or LinkedIn. To learn more about becoming a sponsor or exhibitor contact Sarah Centimole at scentimole@centertech.com.

Finnigan, one of five intervention specialists on the Emmy award-winning reality series, has been involved in all areas of recovery for more than 20 years.

She received her training in chemical dependency from UCLA and completed her internship at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, where she worked in addiction services. Her intervention services are affiliated with: the Betty Ford Center, Sierra Tucson, The Meadows, Promises West and Malibu, Hazelden, Talbots, Caron, Astoria Point/Rosebriar, and The Ranch Recovery in Desert Hot Springs, among others.

“We are excited to welcome such a distinguished expert on addiction to the Summit. Ms. Finnigan will bring a unique perspective on recovery that will help those in attendance fully understand the consequences of addiction.” said Karen Kelly, president/CEO of Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education), a Kentucky-based organization coordinating the event.

Finnigan will participate as part of the Current Trends Keynote series on Wednesday, April 11, along with Dr. Ileana Arias, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack (CA-45th), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse.

Intervention profiles individuals “whose dependence on drugs and alcohol or other compulsive behavior has brought them to a point of personal crisis or estranged them from their friends and loved ones,” according to the show’s website. Each episode ends with a surprise intervention staged by the family and friends of the addict, and conducted by Finnigan or another specialist.

The Summit, which will be held in Florida April 10-12, 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.