Arrest mad for illegal prescribed pills.

(Hazard, Ky.) On March 15, 2010 Kentucky State Police conducted an investigation along with Knott County Sheriff’s Department, Letcher County Sheriff’s Department, HIDTA Drug Task Force and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement into illegal prescribed medications being brought into the Hindman area from out of state. Delilah Hall age 34 of Owens Branch in Hindman was arrested and charged with Trafficking In A Controlled Substance 1st Degree and Trafficking In A Controlled Substance 3rd Degree. Hall had several hundred assorted prescribed medications along with a handgun. The accused was lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Detention Center. More arrests are expected and the investigation is continuing.

Louisville, KY – Kelly Vice from Menifee County School District recently earned an Apple Support Essentials advanced certification.  The intense four-day training class and examination are designed for individuals who need to manage computer networks like those found in school districts.

Kelly completed the course as part of a series of training workshops offered by Dataseam, the company that provides classroom computers to schools in Kentucky using coal severance money.  Mr. Vice expects the training to help him better manage the increased number of computers now in the district.

“We have dramatically increased the amount of technology available to our students because it is critical for their continued success in today’s world,” said Charles Mitchell, Menifee County School District’s Superintendent.  “We are committed to bring our students and teachers district wide the best 21^st learning environment possible.”

In the last two years, Dataseam has conducted over 125 workshops and training sessions

for over 3,500 teachers, administrators and technicians across the state of Kentucky.  

Over 235 advanced certifications have been earned by school district employees to help

them better utilize technology in local schools.  “We are pleased to bring these world-class training programs to Kentucky so schools can build truly modern education environment,” said Dataseam’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Gupton.

Well, for the past year, not many kind words have been said about our new / old friend, Mr. Copier.  He even got kicked a few times.  He has slacked in doing his job and many of us wonder about his annual reviews. How can he stayed employed if he refuses to do his work most of the time plus eat up our copies and our time? And those nice perks about contacting the “copier people”? Unfortunately, most of “those” people were demoted or transferred when the company had layoffs.

For the past month, Mr. Copier’s main doctor, Dr. Lexmark,  has been out to see him on a weekly if not daily basis.  He is such a regular that we have offered him a cubicle and many of our snacks.  Naturally everyone says the same thing, “Why can’t we just get a new one? What’s the point?” Dr. Lexmark has made similar suggestions but hasn’t had much luck convincing the board.

Which makes me wonder? Are the things we strive for really worth it? Some things that we dwell on, pursue, or spend our time on…..is it worth it? Are some things really worth fighting for?

In the past, I spent more time and money on pleasing someone else instead of taking care of my wants and needs.  Was it worth it? At the time, partly so because I use to enjoy pleasing him until the time came when I felt betrayed and used up.

It  is important to spend quality time with those you love and even treat them from time to time.  Make lasting memories that you can later reflect on.  Of course there has to be a balance. Take  care of your needs but also being there for others when they need you…find that peace in between.

When I think about fighting for what’s right, sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it.  What does it matter? Who would listen to me anyway? This seems to be a way a life for most folks. Then I get angry when I think about the suffering and the heartbreak I see in those I care about. It changes my mind.  It’s worth a try at least if it will be for the best benefit for someone.  I want to see change quickly but sometimes it takes time.  It takes more and more fighting and standing up for what is right.  It may even mean sounding like a broken record to those folks you are fighting with.  Yet think about the future, the long haul….can it make a difference?

I wonder if God ever thinks we are worth it.  Are we worth His rescuing and forgiving time after time? Apparently so. If we are worth it to Him, then others need to be worth it to us also.

Take Time to Dwell on the Important Things that Are Worth It.

Danielle Sandlin receives a framed copy of remarks Congressman Hal Rogers made on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives honoring her father, slain physician Dr. Dennis Sandlin. (Click image to enlarge)

An unidentified audience member listens to a presentation. (Click image to enlarge)

disease of addiction, and providing greater collaboration and communication on available resources were all short-term priorities identified by medical professionals attending an Operation UNITE symposium held Saturday.

The symposium brought together more than 300 physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, social workers, substance abuse counselors, adult care providers, coalition representatives and other professionals to address prescription drug abuse and workplace safety.

Sponsors included the University of Kentucky Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, the Kentucky Medical Association, the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and the Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence.

In addition to learning about current abuse trends, pending legislation, and treatment models, the symposium offered an opportunity to discuss issues and viewpoints related to substance abuse and workplace safety.

Bradley Moore asks a question during the morning panel discussion. (Click image to enlarge)

Presenters respond to concerns and comments in the afternoon panel discussion. From left are: Dr. Carl Leukefeld, Dave Hopkins, Bob Neri, Registered Nurse Beverly Hart, Bill Abney, Dr. Lynn Webster and Registered Nurse Marsha Stanton. (Click image to enlarge)

While these issues are not new, interest and concerns were heightened following the murder of Dr. Dennis Sandlin at his Perry County clinic last December.

“This is a complex, ugly problem,” said Karen Engle, director of UNITE, told those assembled at The Forum in Hazard.

Nearly 7 million people are using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes, said Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers. “Our region is crying out for ways to break free from the chains of addiction.”

Addiction comes at a heavy price, Engle said. “Young people are dying almost every day. We can account for over 100 overdose deaths since January alone” in 22 of the 29 counties of the Fifth District.

“These numbers show only a snapshot of what we’re up against,” Engle said. “We do not pretend to have all of the answers, but working together we can find real solutions that give guidance and direction to medical professionals everywhere.”

To that end, Engle announced the formation of a Medical Professional Advisory Council to provide input to UNITE’s Board of Directors.

“We need your help and your partnership,” Engle said. “Our goal is to reach out to you, get to know you, learn from you and ask you to lend us your expertise.”

The symposium began with an emotional call to action by Dr. Sandlin’s daughter, Denise.

“My father’s patients were his love and joy,” Denise Sandlin stated. “How do you help people who seemingly don’t want to help themselves? I truly hope you leave here asking more questions and seeking more answers.”

One of the most important short-term solutions is to better utilize the Kentucky All-Schedule Electronic Reporting (KASPER) system, considered as the best in the nation.

Currently 33 states operate some type of prescription monitoring program, but noted there is not currently a way to easily share information.

That law enforcement component, said Dave Hopkins with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, is critical to identifying and stopping abuse.

“We’ve asked for legislation to allow states to share information,” Rogers said, but stressed he opposes a proposed national program because it “locks out” the law enforcement use.

Another recurring theme during the morning presentations was the need to better educate all providers about addiction.

“Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disorder,” said Dr. Sharon Walsh, director of the UK Center on Drug and Alcohol Research. “The longer treatment is provided the greater success. Sometimes it is a lifetime.”

“Drug abuse is a preventable behavior (and) drug addiction is a treatable disease,” agreed Bob Neri, senior vice president and chief clinical officer for WestCare, which operates a treatment facility in Pike County.

But, Neri noted, most of the power to change behavior is lost before the teenage years. And once addicted, the most successful rehabilitation is through a “10-month dose” of treatment – both residential and clinical. The problem is it takes funding to provide this level of service, and currently that money is not available.

Drug diversion is also a critical concern.

“Substance abuse is still being treated as a subculture, but it’s permeating our culture. It has affected every family – including my own,” said Daniel Mongiardo, Kentucky’s lieutenant governor and a Perry County physician. “Most of the drugs that are on the street are coming from us, the providers.”

While most of the narcotics are dispensed legally, an unacceptable amount reaches the streets through illegal activity or ignorance, Mongiardo said.

“There are things you may be doing that unknowingly leads to this type of behavior,” Walsh said, noting it is important to enact practices that “reduce the risk” while maintaining appropriate levels of care to patients.

Dr. Lynn Webster, of the Utah-based Lifetree Clinical Research and Pain Clinic, called it a “pain paradox.”

“We are part of the problem,” Webster said. “Diversion is not acceptable and needs criminal intervention. Misuse, abuse and addiction must be addressed by the medical community.”

“It is a public health commitment to balance prescription drug prescribing and meeting needs,” said Dr. Marsha Stanton, a registered nurse and volunteer for the Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence. “The patient does have a responsibility” to realize the potential for abuse.”

“You work in the most violent procession in America,” said Bill Abney, who conducts risk management assessments. “It’s a frightening issue for which there are no easy answers. We need to draw the line on unacceptable behavior.”

Substance abuse is not just an Eastern Kentucky problem, but a national epidemic, the presenters stressed. There are, however, regional differences in the drugs of choice and how they are used.

“The rural folks and the urban folks really aren’t so different … but they are,” said Dr. Carl Leukefeld, chair of the UK Department of Behavioral Science.

Leukefeld cited a recent study that found nine different ways drugs are used. Rural users tend to start younger, are mostly white, have no religious preference and tend to crush and snort pills.

Other recommendations, gleaned from a series of four town hall-style forums held leading up to the symposium, include:

• Address aggressive behavior by establishing a written agreement explaining what is to be expected from both patients and providers. After three incidents the relationship could be terminated and reported to a network to alert other physicians.

• Create a “Prescriber’s Bill of Rights” through collaboration between physicians and the legal profession.

• Expand education for individuals and professionals on such issues as Casey’s Law, the UNITE Treatment Voucher program, the disease of addiction and treatment options.

• Increase training and awareness of KASPER and give physicians access to Kentucky CourtNet, which lists a person’s criminal history.

For more information about Operation UNITE visit their website at www.operationunite.org.

* * * * *
In 2003, Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (R-Somerset) worked to create Operation UNITE, a regional anti-drug initiative empowering citizens groups and community leaders in 29 southern and eastern Kentucky counties. UNITE, which stands for Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment & Education, seeks to fight the drug epidemic by expanding drug awareness and education programs to keep people from using drugs; coordinating drug treatment and outreach programs for those who are already addicted; and operating regional undercover law enforcement task forces for interdiction and prosecution of those dealing drugs.  For more information contact Karen Engle toll-free at 1-866-678-6483.

Drug Tip Hotline – 1-866-424-4382     /     Treatment Referral Line – 1-866-90-UNITE (1-866-908-6483)

Julie Hendrix of Breathitt County and other adult educators with the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative met recently with Rep. Ted Edmonds at the Kentucky State Capitol to voice the need for improved adult education opportunities. (Click image to enlarge)

legislators do. I’m not comfortable with everything that it’s in the budget bill, but it could be a whole lot worse. The same goes for House Bill 530, which is the revenue bill that helps us to balance the budget. We haven’t yet voted on the budget, but we did pass HB 530, so I’d like to talk about it this week.
The good news is that there are no tax increases in the bill, and that was a must. Our economy is too fragile right now to afford any tax increases in any segment of the economy, so our budget committee had to get creative. The final result is a bill that slightly tweaks the dates for collecting taxes and temporarily delays some tax breaks. The end result is that we’ll have enough money to get us through the next two years without making any real, lasting changes to our economy.
The even better news is that, if all goes as our economists are forecasting, we might even have a small surplus to put into our rainy-day fund, which has dwindled to nothing the last few years as hard times have forced us to spend our savings for our needs. Of course, the Senate could very well make some changes to such an important bill, and they usually do, so we’ll wait and see what the final product will be.
Another piece of legislation I’m especially proud of is House Resolution 136. HR 136 urges the Public Service Commission to disallow any utility rate increases that outpace inflation. Here at home, we’ve seen some companies go for rate increases of 35 percent or more. That’s bad enough when times are good, but when so many people are hurting already, they can’t afford to pay an electric bill that goes up that much. People living on Social Security can’t afford such a massive increase either, so we’re pushing the PSC, which has to sign off on any rate increase, to put a stop to this.

Basketball legend Magic Johnson visited the Kentucky State Capitol in late February, where he talked with lawmakers about the importance of youth literacy and reducing the school dropout rate. Here he is pictured with Rep. Ted Edmonds, D-Jackson, and Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder, whose family is originally from Breathitt County. (Click image to enlarge)

 
 
Finally this week, we took a step to reduce the dropout rate in our schools. Right now, students can drop out at age 16 — before many of them really know what they want to do with their lives. Entering the workforce and making money may look good at the time, but it’s not a path toward future success. HB 301 would raise the dropout rate by the year 2014 to age 18, by which point they’re probably so close to graduation many more students will stick it out and earn their diplomas. It’s not that simple, though. The bill also provides for programs to make students want to stay in school and to achieve so they have more opportunities when they graduate.
As I write this, there are only three weeks left to this legislative session. Call our legislative message line at 1-800-372-7181, or call my office at 502-564-8100, ext. 818 to let me know how you feel about any of the bills waiting to be voted on.