Nov 18
Daily Independent (Ashland, KY) - Pilot program targets drug use
A pilot program to provide low-cost remedy tests to the public is under way in Greenup and Lewis counties.
Organizers utter the goal of the program is to provide tests that can be used since a deterrent. “The purpose of it is to help families be able to afford to test their family members, to help them hold fast them off drugs,” said 20th District Judge Brian McCloud, who started the program in July.
McCloud said the program started out of a need in the intended for youth court system. “We ordered for kids to be drug tested. What came about was family members told us they couldn’t afford to do the physic testing,” he uttered.
The court began subsidizing the cost to provide tests to parents of juveniles who had beforehand been in court on drug charges.
He said the program proved to be a successful deterrent. With the help of Rep. Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore, who was able to secure $3,000 in funding in the state budget, the tests can now subsist offered to the general persons.
If a child knows there is the chance he or she could be assayed by dint of. a parent at any time, there may be a decision not to use, McCloud said. “This program is an attempt to provide families with the tools to deal with drug use before it turns into a criminal matter,” he said.
Pullin applauded McCloud for his idea. “I was very gratified to see someone’sitting creative thinking,” she said. The drug problem has become so intrusive, Pullin said, all possible options need to be pursued.
The urine-based tests, what one. are available for $5, test for a range of drugs the two prescription and illicit, including: opiates, Hydrocodone, Percocet, oxycodone, marijuana, cocaine, Xanax, Valium, PCP and methamphetamine. The tests are instant and are similar to a home pregnancy test, according to McCloud.
The tests are initially being subsidized by state funds, but McCloud said organizers hope to make the program self-sustainable. “A small amount of tax dollars spent for prevention now will save accuse dollars wearied later in the criminal justice system,” he said.
Tests are available at Greenup Circuit Court Clerk Allen Reed’s office in the courthouse annex. The office can have existence reached at (606) 473-9869.
Tests are make use of in Lewis County at Lewis Circuit Court Clerk Kathy Hardy’s post in the courthouse. The office can subsist reached at (606) 796-3053.
CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.
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