COALITION LAUNCHES EFFORTTO CURB DRUG, ALCOHOL ABUSE

A group of southeast Madison County citizens are getting ready to
launch an education program in an effort to curb drug use and
underage drinking in their towns.

The Southeast Madison County Coalition has already aired public
service announcements provided by the federal office of National Drug
Control Policy on local cable TV stations and have begun compiling a
list of facilities and resources, including treatment programs, Web
sites and churches.

"Drugs have been a major problem in southeast Madison County for
years," said Dave Martin, chief of police in Owens Cross Roads. "We
don't just want to put sellers and users in jail, but we also need to
educate juveniles and the general public."

In a meeting earlier this week, the coalition - with the help of
Partnership for a Drug-Free Community - proposed plans for two
community "meth forums" that will be held Aug. 17 at New Hope
Hospital and Aug. 24 at Gurley Columbian Presbyterian Church. The
goal is to establish training for high school students interested in
volunteering to teach drug and alcohol awareness programs.

The coalition was formed last August after law enforcement officers
raided two methamphetamine labs within a 5-mile radius of Chestnut
Grove Methodist Church.

About 30 residents, government and faith leaders, law enforcement
officers, business leaders, civic groups and educators joined the
coalition to address the county's drug problem.

"The best way to make a difference is to collaborate, work together
and share resources," said Deborah Soule, the director of Partnership
for a Drug-Free Community.