Battling drugs
By Lorrie Ross Guest writer

The battle against illegal drugs and other substances was the main topic of interest on Friday, March 16th, when representatives from eight Western North Carolina counties met in Jackson County. The meeting was the second Quarterly Meeting of the Western North Carolina Regional Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Communities which includes coalitions from Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Macon, Haywood, Jackson, and Swain counties. A newly-formed coalition from Transylvania County recently joined the regional effort, as well. This regional meeting was held so that the counties have an outlet to share information and evaluate the progress being made by using a regional approach to keep communities safe and drug-free.

Prior to the general meeting, a Regional Board meeting was presided over by retired Clay County Coalition Coordinator, Stephen Smith. Board members present were Senator John Snow; District Attorney Mike Bonfoey, Retired NC National Guard Sgt. Janice Richardson and her guest from the North Carolina Air National Guard, Bob Soth, Phil Mooring of Families in Action, and Steve Hindsman. Clay County Coordinator, Dawn Wilde, reported to the Board about the ABC Legislation. Regional Coordinator, Lorrie Ross, reported the progress, as well as challenges that each county has faced.

Following the Board meeting, the general meeting began with introductions, including those of Congressman Heath Shulerís local assistants, Boyce Deitz and Bruce Peterson. These gentlemen remained for the duration of the meeting. Reports were given by the following county representatives: Dr. John Crosby and Sue-Lynn Ledford of Cherokee County; Graham Countyís Mike Edwards; Laura Jansen and Kitty Sanderson of Haywood County; Lorna Barnett of Jackson County; Swain Countyís Holly Bowick; Kathy McGaha and Larry McDonald of Macon County; and Dawn Wilde and Mary Cothren from Clay County. Each report discussed obstacles that had to be overcome as well as plans to perpetuate the regional effort and to continue sharing information. Newcomer Heather Strickler of Transylvania County gave an account of what her group is doing, as well.

The WNC Regional Coalition officially began in June 2006 as the progeny of the Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Clay County which was started over three years ago by concerned citizens. The WNC Regional Coalition is a collaborative effort between Western North Carolina counties to make their communities safer and more aware of substance abuse trends within the Region. A federal grant of almost $300,000 was secured from the Bureau of Justice Administration so that each county could be given seed money to begin its own Coalition by hiring a coordinator, introducing the Mendez Too Good for Drugs and Violence Program into the school system, and placing a billboard with a critical anitdrug message within each county. Each school system has also conducted PRIDE surveys among 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students. This survey has been used in Clay County schools for the last three years and helps gather data critical to the success of anti-subtance abuse and safe-kids programs and funding .

Information about the Western North Carolina Regional Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Communities may be obtained by calling Lorrie Ross, WNC Regional Coordinator, at (828) 389- 6557.

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