Tag Archives: Power of Putnam

Power of Putnam working to spread education and awareness through a new Drug Endangered Children (DEC) grant. Coordinator Mateo Huerta said a drug-endangered child is defined as one who lives in or is exposed to an environment where drugs are present for any number of reasons, including trafficking and manufacturing. He said at least one in eight children across the ... Read More »

Power of Putnam Executive Director Bill Gibson said opioid abatement money could be used to deploy research based strategies to reduce vaping. Upper Cumberland counties will soon receive its first share of settlement money from pharmaceutical distributors. Gibson said he believes some money should be used for cessation programs to help youth addicted to nicotine. “Vaping has become a huge ... Read More »

Power of Putnam is about halfway through its annual compliance checks for licensed alcohol retailers in the county. Director Bill Gibson said that the organization partners with local law enforcement to perform checks that ensure retailers are not selling alcohol to minors. He said that they go everywhere from liquor stores to restaurants. “We’re not really trying to get anybody ... Read More »

A new purple fentanyl has very likely made its way to the Upper Cumberland. The South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force has said that the fentanyl and methamphetamine combination has crossed state lines. “I don’t have any personal knowledge of any seizures of purple fentanyl in Putnam County, but if it is that close to here, I would say there ... Read More »

Delta-8 is a new substance on the market that’s being promoted as “diet weed.” Power of Putnam Executive Director Bill Gibson said that the hemp plant derivative comes from recently-legalized CBD oil put through a chemical process. He said that it allows for manufacturers to extract a greater amount of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that causes a high. ... Read More »

Power of Putnam is happy with the state Attorney General co-leading a 31 state movement against youth nicotine use. State leaders have called on the FDA to eliminate youth-appealing flavors, limit nicotine levels and restrict marketing for these products. Executive Director Bill Gibson said it is a good thing to reduce. “The use of nicotine by youth is one of ... Read More »

A forum is set to help employers in need of employees see that citizens who’ve been in the criminal justice system could make the best hires. The forum is set for Monday from 1:00 PM-2:30 PM in Cookeville at 1000 England Drive Suite 201. Becky Hull is Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board and Bill Gibson ... Read More »

A CDC study reports alcohol is responsible for over 250 American deaths every day. Power of Putnam’s Amy Gibson said any increase in alcohol related deaths is not surprising. “Alcohol can be a secondary contributor to many deaths from DUI and alcohol related accidents, to physical repercussions from long term use of alcohol as well,” Gibson said. Gibson said alcohol ... Read More »

For the second time, Power of Putnam has received a five-year Drug-Free Communities Support Grant. Coalition Director Bill Gibson said the $125,000 grant helps the organization fight youth substance abuse. “This Drug Free Communities Grant is the backbone,” Gibson said. “We have other funding streams, but this is the main one that fuels our prevention work here in Putnam County.” ... Read More »

A new tool in the fight against prescription drug abuse will be introduced this weekend. Power of Putnam Director of Prevention Amy Gibson said Deterra bags neutralize all prescription medicines. The bags are safe to throw away after use and help prevent drug use in the Upper Cumberland. “We totally understand there are times you have to get a prescription ... Read More »