Operation UNITE is expanding its reach after receiving a more than $750,000 grant from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. The organization is bringing its drug prevention services to ten new counties in the Commonwealth. Greenup County was recently added to the network, with more coalitions planned for outside the 5th Congressional District where it started.
Cynthia Bohon, division coordinator for UNITE, said funding for the new branches comes from the state and other grant gifting organizations.
“We write every year for these grants. And then we are also trying to encourage our representatives and all our officials ‘Hey go to the state in 2026 when they come up with the next budget and let’s increase this budget,’ so we can get more of our information and more of our education out to these kiddos and more treatment and recovery for people who need it,” Bohon said.
In addition to their year-round outreach, Bohon said the organization offers Camp UNITE, a summer camp for middle school kids to have fun while learning about drug prevention.
“All these services that we do, the treatment vouchers, the coalition funding, the club funding, all of those services that we do with that other 33 counties are going to be available to these next 10 counties,” Bohon said.
Bohon said all services offered by UNITE are free, including school outreach programs and rehabilitation assistance. Those interested in seeking treatment for themselves or others can call 1-8338-KYHELP or 1-833-859-4357 to speak with a specialist.