4/23/11 - Law enforcement agencies across the county are promoting new programs to get drugs off the streets and out of the hands of local youth. The programs are being initiated in response to the many drug overdoses and drug related deaths along with the rise of Opiate use that Livingston County has experienced over the past 18 months. The Sheriff’s Department recently purchased drug test kits that will be distributed to various law enforcement agencies and made available at no cost to the public for parents who want to self-test their children for various drugs. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI the goal is to be pro-active in partnering with parents, schools and law enforcement agencies. He says since 2009, there have been 22 Livingston County residents who have overdosed and died but there’s another 40 to 50 that other local police agencies have dealt with. Bezotte says It’s a trend that’s really gotten out of control and they need to keep it at the forefront of everyone’s mind because it’s an ongoing problem and too many kids are being affected. Bezotte adds that its parents who have a big influence and they need to pay attention to what their kids are doing, so the test kits should help. The kits are being offered in connection with other programs launched to combat drugs. “Project Opiate” was crafted to help heroin addicts get clean both during and after incarceration while the DEA’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative in Livingston County helps keep un-used drugs out of the hands of kids while disposing of them in a safe manner. A community presentation on “How Prescription Drug Use Can Lead to Drug Addiction” will be held next month as well as a vigil for all of those lost to drugs in Livingston County on the lawn of the historic Howell Courthouse. Further details about all of the programs may be found in the attachments below. (JM)

Attachment:	PressRelease.pdf
Attachment:	NationalDrugTakeBackDay.pdf