Cox informs guests of state’s prescription drug problem
For The Vista
Cumberland County’s Chief Investigator Casey Cox discussed the serious problem of prescription drug abuse and the serious crime that goes with it at a recent Fairfield Glade Rotary Club gathering..
According to Cox, some of the disturbing statistics that accompany this abuse are: 80% of all crime is related to prescription drug abuse; more than 19 million children 12 years old and older are abusing prescription drugs (2007 reporting year); Tennessee is ranked 2nd in the nation in abuse of prescription pain pills.
To offset these unfortunate statistics, Tennessee and local law enforcement have taken aggressive and thoughtful actions: In 2013 there will be mandatory reporting of pain medications by doctors; an education program, Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT), a systematic treatment strategy that seeks to decrease recidivism among juvenile and adult criminal offenders by increasing moral reasoning.; an enhanced task force in Cumberland County, headed by Investigator Cox, and the Drug Take Back program.
For more information and how we all can support this effort, you can contact the Sheriff’s Department or Investigator Cox through http://www.ccsheriffs.org, calling 931-484-6176, or email Chief Investigator Cox at [email protected]
Glade Rotary Welcomes Howell and Arnold
Ms. Amy Howell, Manager of the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Cookeville, and Mr. Ken Arnold, Interim Director for Tennessee’s 17 Rehabilitation Centers gave Rotarians and guests an informative and uplifting presentation regarding the Community TRC’s (Tennessee Rehabilitation Centers), and the clients they serve.
The Community TRC’s provide vocational evaluation, employee development, and employment services for their clients with disabilities. They work closely with local manufacturers and businesses to ensure prospective employees are qualified to enter the workforce.
Some of the local manufacturers that have successfully outsourced work to the Cookeville TRC include Mizkan, Apcom, Metcom, Collins Mfg, Identity Group, Nielsen and Bainbridge.
In addition, other local businesses are in active discussions for workers.
These efforts in rehabilitation help everyone involved, as shown in several surveys.
For example the Health Insurance Association of America indicated a savings of $11.00 for every $1.00 spent on rehabilitation; the Harris survey of Americans with disabilities found that 2 of 3 adults with a disability do not work, yet 63% of them would prefer to work; the US Chamber Commerce report the employers want to hire workers with disabilities but do not know where to recruit them.
Things are warming up for the Rotary
Benefit Auction and Casino Night
This year’s menu includes passed hors d’ouevres of Green Onions and Mushrooms wrapped in Bacon, as well as Spicy Cheese Straws.
At the table will be Harvest Salad and Roast Prime Rib Au Jus with Horseradish on side, with Medley of Vegetables and Small Redskin Potatoes with Butter and Parsley, and Rolls, Coffee, Iced Tea.
And for dessert, Chocolate Cheesecake with Fresh Berry Garnish and Raspberry Sauce. Yum!
This terrific dinner, and loads of fun, will start with the Silent Auction and Casino Games on Friday, October 26th, 4:30 P.M. at the Fairfield Glade Community and Conference Center.
Be sure to join us in our support of many worthy programs through this Benefit Auction.
Tickets are available for a $35 donation from any Rotarian, or contact Bob Henderson (707-1365), Jack Williams (707-7385), Chris Celik (484-6019), Bruce Horn (456-6131).