UNITE Viewpoint

By Karen Engle
UNITE Executive Director

Welcome to the new Operation UNITE website.

We have carefully designed the content to assist our wonderful UNITE coalitions spread the anti-drug message throughout their communities. Thousands of dedicated volunteers have participated in UNITE activities during the past three years, but we need to involve many more citizens if we hope to effect lasting change. Our new website contains information about UNITE, its programs, and ways you can make a difference.

This “viewpoint” section will be used to discuss current drug-related issues that the community should be aware of and have a voice about. When Operation UNITE began, we knew that every component — Investigations, Treatment and Education — are critical, but real change would not occur until the community takes a stand.

We can arrest drug dealers everyday of the week (actually we do) and it’s imperative we help addicts into treatment programs. But, unless people are willing to roll up their sleeves and become involved, the status quo will always be good enough.

Take Senate Bill 63 for instance. This important bill limits the amount of pseudoephederine products that can be purchased and it has reduced the number of methamphetamine labs that law enforcement is currently finding. This law also makes it a felony to make methamphetamine in the presence of a child. I am convinced this law stood no chance of passing until more than 2,000 concerned citizens caravanned to Frankfort on a cold, rainy day to allow legislators hear their voice.

The fact of the matter is that drugs are killing people everyday. Drug abuse does not care about socio-economic factors, religion or politics. It has struck the rich, poor, middle class, Baptists, Catholics, non-believers and yes, even Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike. Addiction is stealing childhoods, robbing futures, overwhelming law enforcement and social service agencies, and hampering economic development. This is everyone’s problem and we need to become angry about it — angry enough to become educated and activated. It’s up to you Eastern and Southern Kentucky because drug abuse is your problem. You’re either part of the problem or part of the solution and the choice is up to you.

I urge you to check this page often, as topics will frequently change. Expect to find hot topics that not everyone is talking about. Learn ways your voice can be heard, whether it’s in the courtroom or in the schoolhouse. We need your help.