Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
General Info
“UNITE” is an acronym meaning Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education. It reflects the three-pronged, comprehensive approach deemed necessary to combating substance abuse in Kentucky.
Operation UNITE was launched in April 2003 by U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers in response to a special report, “Prescription for Pain,” published by the Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper during January and February 2003. (To download a copy click here.) This series of articles exposed the addiction and corruption associated with drug abuse in southern and eastern Kentucky, which largely included Rogers’ Fifth Congressional District.
Operation UNITE works to rid communities of illegal drug use through undercover narcotics investigations, coordinating treatment for substance abusers, providing support to families and friends of substance abusers, and educating the public about the dangers of using drugs. UNITE’s goal is to educate and activate individuals by developing and empowering community coalitions to no longer accept or tolerate the drug culture.
Operation UNITE serves the 29 counties of the Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District: Bath, Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe.
Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-stock, non-profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for educational, civic, patriotic and enhancement of society purposes under the Internal Revenue Code.
UNITE is governed by board of directors consisting of not more than 11 members who serve staggered three-year terms. No less than six board meetings are to be held each year. Generally the board meets at 10 a.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the London office.
Current board members are:
Lonnie Anderson (Vice-Chair), Superintendent, Whitley County Public Schools. Term expires 2009.
Dr. Brian S. Banks (Secretary), Booneville physician. Term expires 2008.
Tom Handy (Chairman), retired Commonwealth’s Attorney, London. Term expires 2009
Chief Elijah Hollon, London Police Department. Term expires 2009.
Dr. Treva Louise Howell, Executive Director, Kentucky River Community Care, Inc., Jackson. Term expires 2008.
Bob Mitchell, District Administrator for Fifth Congressional District Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers. Term expires 2009.
Hon. Eddy Montgomery (Treasurer), Commonwealth’s Attorney, Somerset. Term expires 2007.
Connie Payne, General Manager Kentucky Drug Court, Frankfort. Term expires 2008.
Major Joe Williams, Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement Special Investigations, Frankfort. Term expires 2008.
Exofficio board members are:
Hon. Amul R. Thapar, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Lexington.
Hon. Greg Ousley, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, London.
Primary funding for Operation UNITE has come through federal grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance. To date, nearly $33.1 million from the DOJ has been earmarked for the counter-drug initiative. In addition, UNITE has received approximately $1.6 million in National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funding through contracts with Eastern Kentucky University’s Justice and Safety Center, College of Justice and Safety, and The Center For Rural Development. Because grant funds have spending restrictions, UNITE has created the UNITE Foundation to receive individual and corporate donations that may be used for any purpose.
Participation in Operation UNITE will:
Raise your awareness about drugs and the drug problem.
Maximize your talents and abilities to affect change.
Empower you to take a stand; there is power in numbers.
Assist you or your family members to receive treatment, counseling and after-care services if you are experiencing problems related to substance abuse.
Provide resources and support for you to begin or expand anti-drug programs for youth, either through schools or community groups.
Make your neighborhood safer by getting drug dealers off the streets.
Keep you informed about legislative actions related to drugs and drug enforcement.
Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
Official Site of Operation UNITE
2292 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501
606-677-6179 ● Toll Free 1-866-OP-UNITE ● Fax 606-677-6166
Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
