Pubdate: Wed, 24 Sep 2003
Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY)
Copyright: 2003 Messenger-Inquirer
Contact:  http://www.messenger-inquirer.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285
Author: Justin Willis

SUBSTANCE ABUSE FORUM WILL EXAMINE PROBLEMS, SERVICES

A Daviess County group fighting drug and alcohol abuse is inviting 
residents to awaken Saturday with a wider perspective on the problems and 
needs facing the community.

Community Solutions for Substance Abuse is hosting a treatment forum 
Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon which will feature a panel of 11 people 
ranging from Daviess County Sheriff Keith Cain to Daviess County District 
Judge Joe Castlen and treatment counselors and recovering addicts.

The event is intended to inform the public on the magnitude of the drug and 
alcohol problem while also examining the gaps in services, said Karen 
Coleman, who is the Treatment Committee co-chairwoman with Community Solutions.

"What we're hoping to accomplish during this is have each of the panel 
participants to speak to the issue from their perspective," Coleman said. 
"It's probably the first time I know of in Owensboro that you would have 
all these groups of people together for a dialogue on the issue. It's going 
to be an interesting opportunity to have a constructive dialogue."

The free event is open to the public and could be an educational experience 
for families, children and parents of teenagers, or for people with their 
own struggle with substance abuse, Coleman said. Doughnuts and coffee will 
be provided.

Each of the panel participants will speak for five minutes then take 
questions from the audience. Substance abuse professionals will be on hand 
to answer any questions about care, treatment, warning signs and services.

Other panel members will include representatives from the court designated 
worker's office, RiverValley Behavioral Health, Owensboro Mercy Health 
System, OASIS and Mike Townsend, director of the state's Division of 
Substance Abuse.

The panel will explore the existing opportunities for treatment and what 
services are missing from the area, Coleman said. Services for adolescents 
and detox facilities are among some of the most well-known gaps in care, 
she said.

The community has positive programs such as OASIS, the spouse abuse shelter 
which has been nationally recognized, but also has obstacles and gaps in 
treatment, she said. Coleman has been involved with prevention and 
treatment since the 1980s. Great improvements have been made since then, 
she said.

All substances from alcohol to meth are fair game for discussion at the 
Saturday event.

To Attend

The treatment forum will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the cafeteria 
of Daviess County High School, 4255 New Hartford Road. Call Community 
Solutions at 691-6023 for more information.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens