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DRUG FREE PARTNERSHIP VOWING TO REINVIGORATE WORK IN CARROLL COUNTY

BERRYVILLE -- "Re-energize" was the buzz word of the day when more than a dozen people from various state and local agencies met Tuesday to continue the work started by the Partnership for a Drug Free Carroll County Coalition.

The coalition got its start five years ago with a $100,000 grant, renewable for four years, to fund its prevention activities.

An 800 number for crime tips was established, drug kits were distributed to police departments, schools and parents, a successful drug court was started, and educational materials provided.

Funding ran out and coalition activities slowed.

Now, there is an effort underway to re-energize the coalition, especially since teenage drug use in the county is higher than the state rate.

"Carroll County is one of a few counties statewide to have running data for six years from all three schools," said Green Forest Police Chief John Bailey, who attended the meeting at Carroll Electric.

He also was present at a previous meeting in Eureka Springs that was called, according to Laurie Reh, Prevention Resource Center director, to help the coalition be more active.

At that meeting, results from the 2006 survey, completed by sixth, eighth, 10th and 12th grade students in all three county schools, were revealed.

Bailey said Tuesday's meeting was a brainstorming session to re-energize the coalition, and to recognize the positive work the coalition had accomplished in the community.

"We need the coalition to continue," he said.  "We asked Carroll County Judge Richard Williams to contact Darla Lucas and the others involved to see if they are still committed to the program.  We are willing to support them and we want them to continue."

Bailey said the coalition has served the community well by educating the youth, but more needs to be done, as evidenced by the survey results.

"We need the medical community involved, and legislators behind us to see a difference," he said.

The next meeting is set for Wednesday, Aug.  6, 4 p.m., at Carroll Electric.  All interested persons are welcome.