About Operation UNITE

“UNITE” is an acronym meaning Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education. It reflects the three-pronged, comprehensive approach deemed necessary to combating substance abuse and misuse.

Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education, Inc. (Operation UNITE) is a 501(c)(3) non-stock, non-profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for educational, civic, patriotic and enhancement of society purposes under the Internal Revenue Code.

Operation UNITE was launched on April 7, 2003, by U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers in response to a special report, “Prescription for Pain,” published by the Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper during January and February of 2003. This series of articles exposed the addiction and corruption associated with drug abuse in southern and eastern Kentucky, which largely included Rogers’ Fifth Congressional District.

“UNITE: Stronger Together”

“UNITE: Prescription for Hope”

Narrated by Kentucky Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, “Prescription For Hope” details the birth of Operation UNITE and the Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit.

Purpose

We create hope and change the culture.

Vision

Operation UNITE is a collaborative model striving to prevent substance misuse and facilitate recovery.

Mission

We create strategic partnerships. We provide leadership. We promote education. We coordinate treatment. We support law enforcement.

Service Region

Operation UNITE primarily serves 33 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky, including all counties comprising the Fifth Congressional District: Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe.

The KY HELP Statewide Call Center serves all 120 counties of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, providing information and resources to individuals and families seeking assistance with a substance use disorder.

Board of Directors

UNITE is governed by a Board of Directors that typically meets at 10:00 a.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 350 CAP Drive in London.

Fact Sheet & Legislative Reports

Download an overview of UNITE’s law enforcement, treatment, and education/prevention initiatives.

Programs

UNITE offers more than 30 programs focused on drug prevention, community education, treatment for those impacted by substance use, and law enforcement.

Funding

Primary funding for Operation UNITE comes through an appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly. Grants, individual contributions, and corporate donations fund many of UNITE’s education and treatment initiatives.

Logo

Learn the meaning behind UNITE’s starburst logo and the guidelines for usage.

Rx Summit

The Rx and Illicit Drug Summit, created by UNITE in 2012, is the largest collaboration of professionals and advocates working to find solutions that address the prescription and illicit drug abuse and misuse epidemic.

Coalitions

The backbone of Operation UNITE is its 33 anti-drug community coalitions that work to implement education and treatment initiatives while supporting the investigative component.

Why you should become involved

Participation in Operation UNITE will:

  • Raise your awareness about drugs and the drug problem.
  • Maximize your talents and abilities to affect change.
  • Empower you to take a stand; there is power in numbers.
  • Assist you or your family members to receive treatment, counseling and after-care services if you are experiencing problems related to substance abuse.
  • Provide resources and support for you to begin or expand anti-drug programs for youth, either through schools or community groups.
  • Make your neighborhood safer by getting drug dealers off the streets.
  • Keep you informed about legislative actions related to drugs and drug enforcement.