LifeSkills Regional Prevention Center is being recognized throughout Kentucky for hosting an innovative pilot program.

“Building Fences, A Faith-Based Strategic Prevention Initiative,” is a first-of-its kind effort in the commonwealth that partners substance abuse prevention and treatment providers together with religious and spiritual leaders in hopes of addressing ever-growing substance abuse challenges.

More than 40 different churches were represented during an Aug. 9 retreat at Barren River State Park. Topics presented throughout the day included information about substance abuse prevention efforts, message and information dissemination, drug and alcohol prevalence rates in schools, alternative activity strategies and assistance in substance abuse detection.

For instance, one of the biggest crises we face as a community, and as a nation, is our ongoing battle with the use and production of methamphetamine. The more people who are educated about this life and family destroying drug, the better prepared we will be to combat it. The most noticeable signs of meth usage: euphoria, paranoia, weight loss, increased physical activity (little sleep), anxiety (shaking hands), incessant talking, dry or itchy skin, acne, irritability or mood swings, dilated pupils, picking at skin or hair, aggressive or violent behavior and depression.

Many people aren’t even aware of what to watch for in their own neighborhoods that might point to a meth lab. Large amounts of chemicals being brought into the home; cat litter (but no cat); plastic tubing; strong chemical smell (often described as urine-like smell); odd hours kept by residents; numerous propane tanks; brown/orange stains on walls, carpets; unusually large supplies of any of the following: starter fluid, antifreeze, Coleman fuel, cold medicine containing ephedrine, lab equipment, lithium batteries (stripped), matchbooks with matches missing, ether, hydrogen peroxide or acetone – are all signs of meth labs that present extreme risks for anyone who may live nearby. Fires, explosions – not to mention toxic waste – are common occurrences in the production of this drug.

“Ministers, pastors and spiritual leaders see a multitude of families and communicate with a lot of people. They are often sought out by members of their churches to assist with a variety of personal problems,” said Chandra Carter, director of Prevention Services. “This initiative hopes to tap into that connection. The goal is not only to offer educational opportunities to religious leaders, but also to make referral resources available so that these leaders feel more at ease in guiding troubled members to treatment.”

“We see the faith-based community as the starting point,” Carter says. “Churches can play a critical role in helping us educate our communities and examine the barriers that exist in getting people to treatment. We are asking them to get involved on some level of commitment. It could be as simple as distributing prevention information, or as complex as establishing a Substance Abuse Ministry Team.”

If you or your church would like more information about this initiative, contact LifeSkills Regional Prevention Center at 842-5509 Ext. 1144.

– Maureen Mahaney coordinates public information for LifeSkills Inc., a nonprofit, behavioral health care corporation that plans for and serves the people of southcentral Kentucky in three main areas: mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities. Her column appears monthly.