United Way of Kosciusko County

Improving lives by mobilizing communities to create sustained changes in community conditions.

In Kosciusko County, 4Community Collaboration is working on the topic of illegal drugs and substance abuse.

Community condition: A key community symposium was held in April 2005 to discuss the results of a current community-wide assessment detailing the top 8 areas the community noted as major concerns. It was determined the community would focus on the top issue from the assessment: illegal drugs and substance abuse. Methamphetamine usage is rising; in 2002, 13 individuals were caught and charged with possession/dealing, in addition 5 labs where drugs were seized totaling 4oz. of meth. In 2004, 47 individuals were arrested for possession/dealing, 20 labs seized totaling 3 lbs. 23 grams of confiscated drugs. The majority of the 4,000 cases in the Kosciusko court system are drug and alcohol related with 80% of the individuals in the work-release program having issues related to substance abuse. (The work-release program allows individuals to maintain their employment while incarcerated, but doesn’t treat the cause of the condition.) The approximate drug and alcohol “lost work-time” cost to business is over $46,000 per individual. Incarceration costs the taxpayers approximately $32,000 per year per individual and the minimal cost of cleaning up a methamphetamine lab is $5,000. It is estimated that at least 75 individuals will seek emergency care at the local hospital in 2005 for drug and alcohol related issues. The Kosciusko Drug Task Force presented 3 community-wide drug awareness symposiums and attendance was less than a combined total of 1,000 individuals. Kosciusko County has a successful DARE program at all elementary schools, but the county lacks continuing awareness at middle school level. Based upon data from SAMHSA, 1.66% of the Indiana population is in need of substance abuse treatment but is not obtaining it. Using that statistic, Kosciusko County would have an estimated 1,245 individuals in need of substance abuse treatment. Some of the challenges for those who need treatment are: underinsured or no insurance coverage, where or how to obtain help and the financial burden of the expense.

Enforcement--Anhydrous Tank Locking System – Approximately 100,000 acres (half the tillable land in Kosciusko County) is planted in corn; which anhydrous ammonia is used twice on these fields during the growth process. Since anhydrous ammonia is located throughout the county, 200 locks would be installed on anhydrous ammonia tanks in the county and the supply companies would hold the keys. These industrial, heavy-duty steel locks would deter/prohibit potential thieves due to the inability to destroy the locking system and the time it would consume to attempt.
UPDATE: The 200 locks were installed on the tanks during the 2006 calendar year.

Halfway House – Environment is a large contributing factor for relapse and without strong, intense, life changing intervention, addicts cannot easily stay sober. The current recidivism rate is approximately 74% in Kosciusko County. A halfway house would assist individuals with their re-entry into the community, decrease criminal involvement by the residents, increase revenue to the community from taxable income, increase abstinence of substance abuse and increase and retain employment.
UPDATE: The property was purchased in late August 2006, repairs are being made to the house and clients are being accepted into the program.

Education a)--Speakers Bureau and Video Presentations – The public will develop an awareness of the substance abuse problem, actions being taken, effects on the community, and how they can become involved. A speaker’s bureau would be established to enhance the community’s awareness of substance abuse issues by presenting to captive audiences such as civic groups, church groups, youth groups, and parent organizations.
UPDATE: The committee continues to develop this project.

Education b)--Middle School Students – Middle school age students are very influenced by peer pressure and parents are no longer the key influence in students’ lives after elementary school. Brochures with information describing signs of concerns for substance abuse and the availability of drug testing kits will be available to all parents of Middle School age children in Kosciusko County. The brochures will be placed in each packet of information to parents of middle school age students, will also be available at events involving youth and parents as well as youth service agencies. Upon request a parent can secure a confidential home test kit at the nurse’s office or the Kosciusko County Health Dept.
UPDATE: The brochures outlining the signs and symptoms, where to obtain help and grant assistance availability, were mailed in early Sept. to the parents of middle school students. Monthly information offering help to deal with teenagers for parents will be provided via the school’s newsletters. In addition, for the students a “scared straight” program was developed using three phases; 1) a convocation for middle school students presented by an offender who is serving a sentence for offenses that are alcohol and/or drug-related. 2) members of the drug task force will present the concerns of drugs (how it affects your body) to 7th graders in their health class meeting 4 of the 5 State requirements 3) 8th graders will be bused to the county jail, see the control center, tour the jail and have an inmate speak to them.

Treatment--Financial Assistance for Treatment – Individuals with substance abuse issues have a tendency to continue the abusive patterns due to the perceptions of hopelessness. The court ordered segment of the population is the highest group obtaining treatment today and their insurance will not cover the cost. Others do not seek help due to financial issues. Even with the normal 6 month program, individuals tend to drop-out of counseling due to financial reasons. The probability of relapse without continuing care and monitoring programs is 70%. Improved success rates are achieved if clients can stay involved and have further care programs to assist them. To provide financial assistance and incentives for qualifying individuals that successfully complete designated stages of a total substance abuse treatment program consisting of 47 weeks.
UPDATE: Adult clients were able to be accepted as of July 2006 for this 47 week program offering treatment, random drug testing included, with multiple support options (life skills, mediation conflict, family counseling, parenting program, employment counseling and credit/money management.) Additionally, a 38-week teen program is operational and their legal guardian must attend two individual counseling sessions.

Funding Update: As of September 2006, the funding for this one to one local match is supported from: Kosciusko 21st Century Foundation, United Way of Kosciusko County, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Kosciusko REMC Operation Roundup, Maple Leaf Farms, Biomet Foundation, RR Donnelley, Medtronic Foundation, Kosciusko Community Hospital, Mr. Jerry Beasley, National City Bank and Lake City Bank.

Results: To proactively change the condition of illegal drug and substance abuse in the county by:
1) Decreasing the availability of the key ingredient in making the methamphetamine drug.
2) To improve the recidivism rate associated with substance abuse.
3) To enhance community information and awareness of illegal drugs and substance abuse issues.
4) To increase the accessibility of substance abuse treatment services to assist individuals.

Community Impact