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UNITE Activities
There were 170 participants in the Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp held at Bell County High School on June 30, 2009. These youth represented Bell, Harlan, Knox, Laurel and Leslie counties in Kentucky plus Virginia and New York. Winners of portable basketball goals were 13-year-old Adam Jones of Pineville and 11-year-old Kenzie Smith of Middlesboro.
To view photos click here.
Leadership Bell County teamed up with Operation UNITE to support anti-drug initiatives. "Steps to UNITE," a 5K Walk/Run, was held on March 28 to raise funding to keep a substance abuse counselor in the schools.
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College's MIddlesboro Campus involves 15-20 students each semester with a drug awareness program at local elementary, middle and high schools, as well as Boy Scout and Girl Scout and church groups. Getting college students involved in these presentations not only educates others, but makes the presenters more aware of the problems that drug abuse brings to the community. For details contact Margie Hunt at 606-248-0657.
Summertime activities include weekly Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs® events. Check calendar below for specific dates and locations.
The coalition created an "1825" program during 2007 specifically targeted to young adults between ages 18 and 25. The goal of this program is to help recent high school graduates find direction in life and become contributing members of society by partnering with businesses to offer college mentoring, financial assistance, part-time jobs or apprenticeships. Transportation prevents many young adults from being able to get to college or work, so the coalition is providing bicycles to reduce this barrier. Recipients of the bikes are required to report their progress to the coalition on a monthly basis ragerding their drug-free commitment, academic grades and/or work performance.
The Bell County Coalition was recently awarded a $100,000 Kentucky Drug Free Community grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The funding was used to hire a full-time coalition director, help with the recruitment of volunteers, become more involved with schools, students and parents, among other activities.
Coalition members are supporting Drug Court by assisting with graduation ceremonies.
Bell County holds a weekly Drug and Alcohol Recovery Lifeline program at the Lighthouse Medical Clinic in Pineville. They are working to boost support and involvement from local pastors.
One Bell County school has a registered UNITE Clubs in 2008-09 school year - Pineville Elementary.
Bell County Narcotics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. each Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 149 North 28th Street in Middlesboro.
Bell County has a Lifeline Insight Group that meets on Wednesdays at Lighthouse Mission Center. This is for anyone who is battling an addiction, or is a friend or family member of someone with an addiction. Call 606-337-1834 for details.
Monday, February 8 - A town hall-style public forum to solicit input on combating the state’s substance abuse problems will be held at 5 p.m. at the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency, 129 Pine Street, Pineville. A major focus of the forums - leading up to a medical symposium on March 6 - is to engage health care providers and medical professionals in seeking workable solutions to the drug problem and to address safety concerns.
To read story click here.
Download flyer for March 6 symposium click here.
Recent Activities
Tuesday, June 30 - There were 170 participants in the Shoot Hoops Not Drugs camp held at Bell County High School on June 30. These youth represented Bell, harlan, Knox, Laurel and Leslie counties in Kentucky plus Virginia and New York. Winners of portable basketball goals were 13-year-old Adam Jones of Pineville and 11-year-old Kenzie Smith of Middlesboro. This was the last of five free regional UNITE Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camps with Jeff Sheppard.
To view photos click here.
Friday, April 24 - A free concert featuring the Christian rock group Seventh Day Slumber and University of the Cumberlands Praise Band was held at the Whitley County Middle School gym. The event was part of an eight-team softball tournament - including Middlesboro High School - sponsored by the Whitley High First Priority Club and Whitley County UNITE Coalition. For information contact David Halcomb at 606-344-0169 or Sherry Gibbs at 606-215-1231.
To read a release click here.
Saturday, March 28 - "Steps to UNITE," a 5K Walk/Run was held starting at Southeast Community and Technical College in Middlesboro. There were 22 runners and 24 walkers participating. The event was presented by Leadership Bell County, with all proceeds helping to offset the cost of maintaining a substance abuse counselor.
Thursday, March 19 - "The Science of Addiction" was presented to athlete of Pineville High School. In addition, information was presented on steroids as well as internet safety. Approximately 120 youth participated.
Thursday, March 19 - The coalition sponsored a presentation by Dr. Phil Hill on challenges church pastors face related to the substance abuse issue.
Tuesday, March 10 - Bell County UNITE members and UNITE Counselor Rebeccah Burkett met to discuss strategies for prevention and correction initiatives for grades 6-12 in three school districts.
Wednesday, March 4 - Members of Bell County UNITE attended a meeting with Faith-Based Partnerships to provide educational opportunities for teens. Approximately 70 youth will view four drug presentation videos and participate in an on-court basketball challenge. Six coalition members assisted.
Tuesday, March 3 - DFC Director Donnie Caldwell presented "Reading to the Future," a program that discusses drug-free choices, to four classrooms at Right Fork Elementary School. Three coalition members helped with the presentation that involved about 80 youth.
2008 Activities
Friday, September 26 - Fourth annual regional golf scramble to benefit Lifeline of Eastern Kentucky was held at Wasioto Winds Golf Course in Bell County. For details contact Irene Lewis at 606-862-9630 or 606-312-1612.
Friday, September 19 - The annual UNITE Bowl football game featured Bell County High School vs Rockcastle County High School. Former UK and pro football quarterback Tim Couch was on hand for the coin toss. The schools also competed in a "Wipe Out Drugs Toilet Paper Challenge." Earlier in the day the Rockcastle County UNITE Coalition held a "March Against Drugs" starting at Mount Vernon Elementary School and continuing to the football field behind Rockcastle County Middle School.
For details click here.
For photos click here.
Tuesday, May 13 - A presentation on UNITE and ways to become involved in the anti-drug efforts was given to Masonic Lodge members in Bell, Harlan and Knox counties at the Middlesboro Civic Center, North 30th Street. For details contact Larry Thacker, district deputy grandmaster, at 423-869-6433 or larry.thacker@imunet.edu.
2007 Activities
Tuesday, October 30 - UNITE Haunted Jail on the third floor of the Bell County Jail.
Monday, October 29 - UNITE Haunted Jail on the third floor of the Bell County Jail.
Saturday, October 27 - UNITE Haunted Jail on the third floor of the Bell County Jail.
