The Pulaski County Drug Free Council has drafted and adopted a new three year comprehensive plan for combating the abuse of drugs and alcohol in the county. The plan was created after data was collected from the community.
The plan will be funded through the collection of drug interdiction fees received through the criminal justice system from those convicted of substance abuse offenses. That money is then awarded as grants to people and agencies that can effectively achieve the goals of the comprehensive plan.
An examination of the data has led the Council to the conclusion that alcohol abuse in Pulaski County among both juveniles and adults is substantial and on the rise. In addition, the data indicates that the abuse of marijuana among adults is increasing. Accordingly, the comprehensive plan seeks to reduce each of these problem areas by 3-5% by the end of 2014.
Any individual or agency that can assist with the goal can submit a request for funds through the Council until the end of November. Decisions regarding applicants will be made in December with funding being disbursed in early 2012.
Applicants are invited to submit their plans and ask questions at the next Council meeting November 9th, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. ET at the West Central Elementary school.
The Council Coordinator can be reached by email at pulaskicountydrugfreecouncil@gmail.com.
