DRUG TASK FORCE STOPS IN HAZARD

Panel Hears Call For More Treatment

HAZARD - Adults and juveniles with substance-abuse problems in Eastern
Kentucky need more treatment options closer to home, residents told
state officials yesterday.

A tide of prescription-drug abuse that has driven up crime and caused
numerous deaths dwarfs the treatment available. People are reluctant
- -- or can't afford -- to travel far from home to get help, residents
said, so the state must put money into making treatment more accessible.

"With no treatment there is no hope," said Sharon Hendrickson, of
Jackson. "With no money, there's no treatment."

The meeting in Hazard was the sixth of 16 scheduled around Kentucky to
gather comments as part of an effort led by Lt. Gov. Stephen B. Pence
to draft a comprehensive plan for attacking the state's drug problem.

The 51-member panel studying the problem brings together local, state
and federal officials with expertise in substance-abuse prevention and
education, law enforcement and treatment.

The panel is scheduled to give Gov. Ernie Fletcher recommendations in
late June.

People have made a wide range of suggestions for dealing with the
state's drug problem.

Yesterday, for instance, suggestions included setting up a program to
drug-test recipients of federal disability payments, in order to
reduce the problem of people selling prescription drugs that taxpayers
have provided; making sure faith-based groups get money to help
provide treatment; and educating parents to recognize signs of drug
use by their children.

People complained that courts are slow to process drug cases in some
areas; that they believe politics and affluence influences local drug
enforcement; and that lack of jobs worsens the problem.

The need for better access to drug treatment has been a consistent
theme of meetings held so far in the northern, northeastern and
eastern sections of the state, said Karyn B. Hascal, acting director
of the state Division of Substance Abuse.

Officials said once the plan is done, the administration could look at
switching money into treatment from other programs. Pence has said it
makes sense to provide treatment for non-violent offenders with
addiction problems instead of jailing them, which could free up money
for treatment programs.

On the Web

To offer suggestions on a statewide drug-control plan or to get
additional information, log on to www.kydrugsummit.ky.gov.