NEW HEAD OF COMBAT KNOWS THE MISERY OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL

Tracey Blaylock, the new executive director of Jackson County's anti-drug
effort, knows firsthand about the horrors of alcohol and drug addiction.

She knows the physical and emotional toll. The loss of trust from family
and friends. The helplessness and hopelessness.

Blaylock, 41, is a recovering addict and alcoholic, sober now for more than
12 years. She is living testimony that people can turn their lives around.

"Drugs and alcohol drained me from all motivation," Blaylock said. "It
caused problems with me and my family and my ability to be a parent."

But that experience, she said, helps in her new job as the head of COMBAT
- -- the Community Backed Anti-Drug Tax. First approved by voters in 1989,
the anti-drug sales tax generates $15 million annually. The tax was renewed
in November 1995 and will expire in 2004. Blaylock's agency funnels the
money to 80 groups, including law enforcement and drug treatment and
prevention organizations.

As the executive director, Blaylock oversees those programs: Police
officers visiting schools to encourage children to stay off drugs. Artists
and actors teaching their talents in the program Sentenced to the Arts.
Counselors running homes where addicts seek treatment.

Before joining COMBAT, Blaylock was the deputy director for the Fighting
Back program for the community group Move Up.

"Being familiar with the community allows me to identify the gaps in
services in particular communities," Blaylock said.

COMBAT officials said they were impressed with Blaylock's experience and
knowledge of drug treatment.

"Tracey has a true understanding of various treatment approaches and knows
what is needed," said Sue LeVota, the chairwoman of the COMBAT commission.

Patricia Jones, another COMBAT commissioner, agreed.

"Tracey is so well-qualified," Jones said. "We are pleased and fortunate to
have her leading the commission.

"She's a real asset."

Blaylock said her priorities for leading COMBAT include increasing public
awareness about the agency's programs. She wants COMBAT agencies to work
closer with community and neighborhood groups to fight crime and encourage
those who need help to seek treatment and counseling.

"We must build better relationships in the community," Blaylock said. "We
must increase public awareness and let residents know the importance of
this vital tax."

Blaylock is a certified substance abuse and compulsive gambling counselor.
She has earned master's degrees in counseling psychology and health care
management.

But first she had to turn her life around.

Blaylock was a 16-year-old student at Southeast High School when she began
using drugs and drinking alcohol.

"I knew using drugs was wrong but I did it just to fit in," Blaylock said.
"I just wanted to fit in, and I liked the way it made me feel."

Marijuana became a gateway drug to PCP or angel dust. By the time she was
26, Blaylock had begun using crack cocaine.

"I was hooked the first day," she said.

The continued drug use devastated her children and other relatives.
Blaylock lost weight. She lost her job. She almost lost her daughter, who
begged to move out.

"I just knew I had to turn my life around," Blaylock said.

She entered a drug treatment program and began the long road to recovery.

"I hope my life is testament of what treatment and counseling can do,"
Blaylock said. "My experience increases and intensifies my passion to help
others.

"This is a personal, professional and spiritual mission."