E. Ky parents offered free drug testing kits

MOUNT VERNON, Ky. (AP) — A federally funded drug task force in eastern Kentucky has come up with another way to fight substance abuse — it will hand out free testing kits to parents.

Frank Rapier, executive director of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, told the Lexington Herald-Leader (http://bit.ly/1ruvhF8) that it gives youths "a reason to say no" in the face of peer pressure.

The Appalachia HIDTA and Operation UNITE, which sponsors drug-prevention programs in 32 counties, have partnered for the project. Funding is coming from the Appalachia HIDTA while Operation UNITE is promoting it and distributing kits.

Nancy Hale, a retired educator who is active with UNITE, said 650 kits were delivered Tuesday to 13 distribution points.

The first kits will be handed out in Rockcastle County.

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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com

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