HOSPITAL HANDS OUT MORE THAN A DOZEN DRUG-SCREENING KITS

LEBANON, Ind. -- Witham Health Services has dispensed 14 drug- screening
test kits since announcing its giveaway to Boone County parents two weeks ago.

The hospital offered the drug screens in concert with an effort by Boone
Circuit Judge Steve David to fight drug and alcohol abuse in the county.

David, who sits as juvenile court judge, proposed the idea to Witham, said
Amy Hammerle, the hospital's manager of marketing and public relations.

Hammerle said Thursday that Witham has handed out 14 kits since the program
was announced Oct. 3.

The kits and laboratory analysis are free to Boone County residents, with
the cost being underwritten by Witham.

Out-of-county residents pay a $15 fee, Hammerle said.

Ten kits went to Boone County residents and four to Marion County
residents, she said.

Hammerle said screenings have been completed on four returned kits.

"We test for a variety of drugs, from nicotine to alcohol, cocaine,
amphetamines, barbiturates -- the whole range of drugs to which,
unfortunately, our children have access," Hammerle said.

Results are confidential and go to the parent or legal guardian who submits
the samples and completes the accompanying paperwork, she said.

"Our main goal is to work with Judge David to increase awareness that we
can do this service and offer it to Boone County parents without charge to
help empower the parents," Hammerle said.

David said, "If parents have access to this type of information, they can
immediately intervene to get help for their child."

The kits are available from the Witham toxicology laboratory and come with
a list of treatment programs and counseling services.

To obtain a kit, call 1-765-483-1800.