PUTNAM HIRES ANTI-DRUG PROGRAM OFFICIAL

PALATKA -- Putnam County's Anti-Drug Coalition has hired a program coordinator.

Newly hired coordinator Kerry Butch said "drug and alcohol abuse is a
public health epidemic" not only in Putnam but across the nation.

"It's not easy to take a hard look at what's going on in Putnam County in
regards to drug and alcohol abuse. The fact sheet we put together cites
some very harsh realities," Butch told several dozen people at a reception
for her Thursday afternoon.

Many in the audience -- law enforcement, school and social services workers
- -- understand the realities of illegal use or abuse of alcohol, tobacco and
drugs.

Sheriff Dean Kelly said officials don't "have their head in the sand about
problems."

He put on notice those selling alcohol and tobacco to underage customers in
Putnam. "We're going to start an initiative in the very near future using
undercover officers," said Kelly.

For those who buy alcohol and tobacco for underage users, Kelly said, "I
might be overcrowded at the jail, but I'll make room for them."

Kelly said there had been about 250 DUI arrests in Putnam last year by the
Sheriff's Office.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported 309 DUI arrests in Putnam for 2004.
Illegal drug use figures were also cited.

Kelly said $2.5 million in illegal drugs were seized last year in Putnam.

A 2002 state survey reported alcohol was the most commonly used drug among
Putnam students.

A federal grant gave the Putnam County Anti-Drug Coalition the money to
hire their coordinator.

Some $70 million has been earmarked by the feds for up to 700 coalitions
around the country, said Senta Goudy, director prevention with the Florida
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association Inc.

The coalition's past record helped them get the grant.

"It's really effective when the community, law enforcement, schools, social
agencies and parents get involved. When Putnam gets the ball rolling,
there's nothing they can't do together," said Goudy.

Welaka Police Chief Casimir Piwowarski said it was "critical that the
coalition starts to engage parents, teachers, church people and youth and
reaches into the community because that's where change happens."

Hiring the coordinator "strengthens our ability to get moving" said
Piwowarski, the coalition's new chair. He plans to hold community meetings
throughout the county to get new ideas, information and leadership.

Butch has a background in community and organizational development.

She was executive director of The Asbury Park Consortium, a non-profit
agency that provided opportunities for community leadership in Asbury Park,
N.J.