Corbin Tri-County Area to Receive Federal Funds to Fight Drug Abuse

Press Release

Corbin Tri-County Area to Receive Federal Funds to Fight Drug Abuse

U.S. Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-5) announced today that the Corbin Community Coalition has been awarded a grant of $125,000 from the federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program. This grant will be used to strengthen youth drug prevention efforts in Corbin as well as the surrounding Laurel, Whitley, and Knox County communities.

"Our region is banding together to get the drug bandits out," stated Rogers. "I'm pleased to see the Corbin Community Coalition receive this federal funding to carry out such an important mission. We must remain vigilant in educating our young people on the dangers of drugs and intervening when drug use occurs. The children of our region are our most valuable asset and these funds will go a long way toward ensuring their success in life - drug free."

The Drug-Free Communities Program was established to help community coalitions work together to reduce illegal drug use and educate young people about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. The program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in partnership with the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. Each community must provide a minimum 1:1 match of local funding for each federal dollar awarded.

The Corbin Community Coalition works in collaboration with Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education). The region-wide program has three main tasks: creating regional drug task forces for interdiction, confiscation and undercover operations; organizing local citizens' groups and coordinating drug treatment programs; and working with educators to expand drug awareness and education programs in local schools.

To date, UNITE detectives have confiscated over $8 million worth of drugs off the street, including more than 73,300 prescription pills, nearly 20 pounds of cocaine, and over 11 pounds of methamphetamine. Their efforts have led to the arrests of 2,550 drug dealers and a 98% conviction rate. Operation UNITE also provides non-violent offenders and those grappling with addiction with a second chance—over 1,590 non-violent offenders have participated in UNITE drug court programs, and more than 1,170 individuals have received vouchers for treatment. Finally, Operation UNITE continues to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse; to date, 64,595 counseling sessions have taken place with UNITE substance abuse counselors. For more information on UNITE, visit www.operationunite.org or call 866-678-6483.

Rogers has worked to provide funding for anti-drug programs in his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.

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