MANCHESTER – Representatives of organizations across central and eastern Kentucky have received training on a series of evidence-based programs designed to help educate parents, teens and concerned citizens about drugs.

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.