Wayne Allen

PDT Staff Writer

The Greenup County (Ky.) Drug Free Coalition announced this week that they will be launching its first community substance abuse prevention initiative this Saturday. Members of the coalition along with local youth will spend the day passing out information about a new “Text A Tip” program from the Kentucky State Police.

“’Text A Tip’ is a new, proactive program to text confidential tips about criminal activity from a cell phone. It is confidential and easy to use. Anyone with texting capabilities from personal electronic devices can simply text 67283 in the address field, type KSPTIP in the message field, leave a space and enter information about a crime,” said Sam Castle, Prevention Specialist with Pathways Regional Prevention Center of Ashland, Ky.

Castle said anyone is invited to participate in Saturday’s activities with coalition members.

According to released information,”the goal of the Greenup County Drug Free Coalition is to bring together representatives of community systems - school, business, law enforcement, elected officials, faith groups, justice - and concerned community members to reduce substance abuse and use and create a healthier community.”

Participants will meet at 10 a.m. at the South Shore Fire Department.

“Greenup County youth deserve the opportunity to live up to their fullest potential,” said Cheryl Moore, mayor of South Shore and member of the Greenup County Drug Free Coalition. “This includes a healthy, drug-free community in which to thrive.”

The Greenup County Drug Free Coalition meets the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Sunshine United Methodist Church, 16 Tygarts Bend Road in South Shore, Ky. The next meeting date is Jan. 10, 2013. For more information, call Castle at 1-606-329-8588, extension 4211.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.