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From the Director's
Desk
Directors Report for 1st Quarter, 2011
The Jackson County Drug-Free Council has hired me, Brenda Turner, again as the part-time Coalition Director! As a member of this council since 1994, it is again a privilege to serve in this capacity to assist the volunteers of Jackson County to achieve its mission to reduce substance abuse. Having worked professionally in the substance abuse treatment field for the past 25 years, I have a deep interest in this area. My hope is that together we can continue to raise awareness, implement preventions, continue treatment, and support law enforcement of alcohol and other drug abuse.
Currently, our council has the task of updating our 3 year county-wide Comprehensive Plan. This requires the input from all agencies, individuals, organizations, schools, churches, and businesses. Statistics from 2010 are utilized to identify ongoing problem areas, identify needs and strengths, and support the efforts of all involved in reducing substance abuse. While our overall desire is to see lower numbers each year, having an increase in arrests or participation in programs can also indicate effective action toward reduction of substance abuse. If you have not been directly asked to share statistics, please contact me to include your input in the Comprehensive Plan.
The County Commissioners have charged the Drug-Free Council with making recommendations on allocations of the Community Drug Fund, monies collected from certain alcohol and drug convictions. Each spring, in March, we announce the availability of grant applications. Applications are now available at our monthly Council meeting (the 2nd Thursday of every month) at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Foundation conference room in Seymour, or by contacting our committee chairman, Roger Marling, at rlmarling@hotmail.com, or contacting me, Brenda Turner, at (812) 216-2229. Grants must address problem statements in our Comprehensive Plan, and must fall into one of the three categories: Education/Prevention; Treatment/Intervention; or Law Enforcement/Justice. Completed applications are due at the May meeting (2nd Thursday of May), by 5:00 p.m. Grant funds must be requested and received from the county auditor by December 31st each year.
Bloomington Meadows Hospital has collaborated with the Jackson County Drug-Free Council each year to provide educational opportunities for both the general public and professionals regarding current drug abuse or mental health issues. A free Lunch & Learn addressing synthetic drugs (K2, Spice) will be offered on Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by Christopher Strouse, Indiana State Excise Police Officer. It will be held at the Holiday Inn Express Conference Center at 249 N. Sandy Creek Drive in Seymour. Certificates of attendance will be available. Seating is limited to 60. RSVP to Meadows Hospital at (800) 972-4410 by May 6, 2011.
Brenda Turner
Coalition Director
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