Pilot program targets drug use

Carrie Stambaugh/The Independent

Greenup November 17, 2008 11:09 pm

— A pilot program to provide low-cost drug tests to the public is under way in Greenup and Lewis counties.
Organizers say the goal of the program is to provide tests that can be used as a deterrent. “The purpose of it is to help families be able to afford to test their family members, to help them keep them off drugs,” said 20th District Judge Brian McCloud, who started the program in July.
McCloud said the program started out of a need in the juvenile court system. “We ordered for kids to be drug tested. What came about was family members told us they couldn’t afford to do the drug testing,” he said.
The court began subsidizing the cost to provide tests to parents of juveniles who had previously been in court on drug charges.
He said the program proved to be a successful deterrent. With the help of Rep. Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore, who was able to secure $3,000 in funding in the state budget, the tests can now be offered to the general public.
If a child knows there is the possibility he or she could be tested by a parent at any time, there may be a decision not to use, McCloud said. “This program is an attempt to provide families with the tools to deal with drug use before it turns into a criminal matter,” he said.
Pullin applauded McCloud for his idea. “I was very happy to see someone’s creative thinking,” she said. The drug problem has become so intrusive, Pullin said, all possible options need to be pursued.
The urine-based tests, which are available for $5, test for a range of drugs both prescription and illegal, including: opiates, Hydrocodone, Percocet, oxycodone, marijuana, cocaine, Xanax, Valium, PCP and methamphetamine. The tests are instant and are similar to a home pregnancy test, according to McCloud.
The tests are initially being subsidized by state funds, but McCloud said organizers hope to make the program self-sustainable. “A small amount of tax dollars spent for prevention now will save tax dollars spent later in the criminal justice system,” he said.
Tests are available at Greenup Circuit Court Clerk Allen Reed’s office in the courthouse annex. The office can be reached at (606) 473-9869.
Tests are available in Lewis County at Lewis Circuit Court Clerk Kathy Hardy’s office in the courthouse. The office can be reached at (606) 796-3053.
CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.