Residents Can Help Alliance Battle Substance Abuse

Just because the membership roster of the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention reads like a who’s who of local and state agencies and organizations, doesn’t mean there isn’t room for residents to get involved.

“It’s open to anyone to come (and help),” explained Chrissie Parris, coalition coordinator, after ASAP’s April 26 meeting at the .

Parris said the coalition could use help with committees, events and other initiatives. The group is funded by a federal Drug Free Communities grant and works to raise awareness about substance abuse and to assist with prevention. It targets alcohol, tobacco and drug use as part of its mission.

One area of particular concern to many members of the coalition is the uptick in in Pasco County.

“The prescription pill epidemic is horrific,” said Cpl. Alan Wilkett of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. “We’re having to pull resources and (switch) them into the prescription pill side.”

Wilkett said the sheriff's office is hopeful that athat will detail who has been prescribed what medications by doctors will assist.

"We think some of the initiatives on the table will help," he said. "The registry (will be) a big help for us."

The sheriff’s office is a partner in ASAP. In fact, Sgt. Art Rowand, who heads up the , is the vice-chairman of ASAP’s executive committee. Other partners include the Pasco County Health Department, Pasco Hernando Community College, the District School Board of Pasco County, the Pasco County State Attorney’s Office and the state Department of Children and Families.

By raising awareness, focusing on prevention and helping to get the word out about issues of concern, the coalition aims to reduce the number of people affected by substance abuse in Pasco County.

The mission is one Wilkett said the sheriff’s office is very supportive of.

“This coalition is really a coalition we want to partner with,” he said. “We can’t do it alone.”

ASAP meets monthly, generally in Land O’ Lakes. For more information about the organization, visit pascoasap.com online or contact Parris at cparris@pascoasap.com or 727-597-2284.

People who cannot attend meetings in the daytime because of work concerns can still become active in ASAP, Parris said. The group’s committees meet at various times and public awareness events often take place on the weekends. The next meeting is May 24 at the 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd. community center. It takes place from 10 a.m. to noon.