Press Releases
U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has provided $1,000,000 for Operation UNITE’s voucher program to help those addicted to drugs seek out the treatment they need. Last year, Rogers secured this important funding in the FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Bill passed on December 16, 2009.
“Providing hope for those who are bound by addiction is a key pillar in the fight against drugs,” said Rogers. “All too often drug users have nowhere to turn and are left will little choice but to feed their addiction as their lives spiral out of control. But thanks to Operation UNITE, addicts now have a way out. Treatment is no longer out of the picture because of financial restraints. This funding is absolutely vital because it gives people a second chance and a way to start over. Our communities are safer when we provide help to those who need it the most.”
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.
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.
“Providing hope for those who are bound by addiction is a key pillar in the fight against drugs,” said Rogers. “All too often drug users have nowhere to turn and are left will little choice but to feed their addiction as their lives spiral out of control. But thanks to Operation UNITE, addicts now have a way out. Treatment is no longer out of the picture because of financial restraints. This funding is absolutely vital because it gives people a second chance and a way to start over. Our communities are safer when we provide help to those who need it the most.”
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.
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.