Almost everyday, there are new reports of drug arrests in and around the area. Many of those individuals end up repeat offenders and with a wrap sheet figuratively a mile long. So how do we help those folks get better? There’s Drug Court, but offenders have to prove they’re a good fit for that. There are treatment centers, but many times it takes the individual or a loved one to check them in or convince them to go. A fairly new program through Egyptian Health Department has been launched that focuses on a Recovery Oriented System of Care. Teri Cain is the Project Coordinator. She says her council and partners are working to increase awareness to recovery services and supports in the community. “We’re trying to build more supports for recovery from drug and alcohol use in the community. We’re funded by the state…one of eight pilot programs that the state launched last year. I was hired in October so I’ve been at development of the program for the last 10 
months. In that time, we developed a strategic plan, did a needs assessment…and it’s a comprehensive plan and very ambitious. Our area includes Saline, Gallatin, Hamilton, and White. We’re doing outreach in those areas.
Part of the process has been to build a Council. And the bottom line for the council, for the effort, for the program at large is to help those who need it. “People who have addictions are people and have the same needs as any other individual with any other health issue. I’m looking really strongly at developing a council here in White County. If you’re interested in helping with recovery, I’d encourage you to reach out to me” says Cain.
She can be reached at 618 – 273 – 3326, Extension 2260. Rather than trying to provide a blanket approach to recovery, Cain says the program is more about finding the right treatment for the individual and says there are multiple methods and resources available to individuals.
National Night Out, an event to celebrate partnerships and positive connections between the community and law enforcement is going to be held on Tuesday, August 6th at Mahoney Park in Eldorado from 6 – 8pm. In addition to free food, games and a free swim, the outing, part of a bigger 36 year old program, is organized in conjunction with various law enforcement officials to help inform the public about various police and community programs including Egyptian Health Department’s Recovery Oriented System of Care.
