Press Releases
Rogers Secures $1 Million to Keep Kids Off Drugs
Sep 21 2010
U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services has provided $1,000,000 for Operation UNITE’s multi-school substance abuse counseling program. Last year, Rogers secured this important funding in the FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse.
“Our region is faced with an epidemic like none other. Drug abuse threatens our communities, our families and our children,” said Rogers. “Operation UNITE’s focus on education is vital to teaching our kids about the dangers of drugs and providing counseling for students who are experimenting or abusing. UNITE brings hope to our region by taking drug dealers off our streets, treating those paralyzed by addiction and educating our students. In the battle against drugs, Operation UNITE is truly making a difference and making our region a better place.”
Operation UNITE, which stands for Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education, serves 29 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. 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. With this funding, Rogers has directed nearly $50 million for UNITE related activities over the last 8 years. UNITE’s substance abuse counselors provide assistance to students, individually or in group settings, to help them in overcoming dependences or to deal with substance abuse and related problems. Counselors also work within the schools to prevent substance abuse through education and intervene at the earliest signs of addiction so those individuals can seek treatment as soon as possible.
To date, UNITE detectives have removed over $9.26 million worth of drugs off the street, including more than 96,916 prescription pills, more than 23 pounds of cocaine, over 4,763 marijuana plants and over 11.7 pounds of methamphetamine. Their efforts have led to the arrests of more than 3,400 drug dealers and a 96.8% conviction rate. Operation UNITE also provides non-violent offenders and those grappling with addiction with a second chance—over 2,700 people have participated in UNITE drug court programs, and more than 1,800 individuals have received vouchers for treatment. Finally, Operation UNITE continues to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse; to date, 66,924 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 served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.
“Our region is faced with an epidemic like none other. Drug abuse threatens our communities, our families and our children,” said Rogers. “Operation UNITE’s focus on education is vital to teaching our kids about the dangers of drugs and providing counseling for students who are experimenting or abusing. UNITE brings hope to our region by taking drug dealers off our streets, treating those paralyzed by addiction and educating our students. In the battle against drugs, Operation UNITE is truly making a difference and making our region a better place.”
Operation UNITE, which stands for Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education, serves 29 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. 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. With this funding, Rogers has directed nearly $50 million for UNITE related activities over the last 8 years. UNITE’s substance abuse counselors provide assistance to students, individually or in group settings, to help them in overcoming dependences or to deal with substance abuse and related problems. Counselors also work within the schools to prevent substance abuse through education and intervene at the earliest signs of addiction so those individuals can seek treatment as soon as possible.
To date, UNITE detectives have removed over $9.26 million worth of drugs off the street, including more than 96,916 prescription pills, more than 23 pounds of cocaine, over 4,763 marijuana plants and over 11.7 pounds of methamphetamine. Their efforts have led to the arrests of more than 3,400 drug dealers and a 96.8% conviction rate. Operation UNITE also provides non-violent offenders and those grappling with addiction with a second chance—over 2,700 people have participated in UNITE drug court programs, and more than 1,800 individuals have received vouchers for treatment. Finally, Operation UNITE continues to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse; to date, 66,924 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 served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.