Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) visited the Oasis Care Center in Somerset, Kentucky on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 to get a first-hand look at local efforts to assist individuals who are working to overcome drug and alcohol addictions. Operation UNITE President, Karen Kelly joined Rogers for the visit.

“When we launched Operation UNITE nine years ago to fight drug abuse, we quickly realized that we couldn't arrest our way out of the problem and that our people desperately needed access to treatment,” said Rogers. “I applaud the dedication and hard work of substance abuse treatment facilities across the region, like the Oasis Care Center. Thanks to them, addicts can find the help they need close to home.”

The Oasis Care Center is a non-profit organization offering substance abuse treatment for women through a residential six to 12-month recovery program. Oasis is currently renovating it's free soup kitchen, as well as it's cafe, from which proceeds are directly applied to the treatment program. Additionally, the organization operates a thrift store and a food pantry.

Operation UNITE contracts with eligible substance abuse treatment facilities across Kentucky and surrounding states to offer a one-time voucher for low-income individuals seeking treatment for an addiction.

“At UNITE, our Treatment team answers more than one thousand phone calls every month from families and addicts who want to escape the captivity of drug abuse, but don't know where to start,” said Kelly. "The waiting lists for some facilities can be long and daunting to an addict who is finally ready for help, but thanks to our contracts with local facilities like Oasis, UNITE can often reserve beds and help expedite the process so treatment can begin as soon as possible."

To date, Operation UNITE has helped more than 2,600 individuals across southern and eastern Kentucky enter a substance abuse treatment program.

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 http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.