History of Dubois County Substance Abuse Council
The Committee for a Drug-Free Jasper (CDFJ) was officially organized in March of 1990. At that time the committee was organized to address the issues of substance abuse and related problems in Jasper, Indiana. The group made great efforts to expand its reach by involving all the school corporations in Dubois County.
Since its initial meeting, the Committee continued to meet on a regular monthly basis, every second Monday of the month. Three sub-committees were formed which included: Treatment/Intervention, Prevention/Education, and Justice. These sub-committees met monthly on a regular basis too. The first few meetings of the Committee were devoted to structuring organization and recruiting new members so that there would be a diverse representation of the population. Then, the Comprehensive Plan began to take priority as the group worked together to explore Dubois County's apparent substance abuse problems and solutions.
CDFJ held a public forum on Tuesday, January 19, 1991 at the 4-H Fairgrounds Arena Building. The purpose was to gather input from citizenry throughout the county as to how to expand the group's focus to include everyone from Dubois County. In conjunction with the public forum, the CDFJ joined forces with all of the committee representatives and changed the official name from the CDFJ to the Dubois County Substance Abuse Task Force. The outcome of this very well received forum was that the county accepted the new focus and the new name, and we were off to a good start in a new direction.
Dubois County is unique in that it has a residential population of approximately 39,600, but it also has a migratory population of about 12,000. Many people come to this county and to Jasper in particular, to work and to shop. Since there are so many people in this area, we have a great opportunity to impact more than just our residents. Dubois County is frequently regarded as a "leader" by our surrounding counties.
In the fall of 2002, the group changed its name to Dubois County Substance Abuse Council. It is hoped that this change will make the group more recognizable to the general public. The Council created a logo and a web-site in 2003 to increase awareness.
In 2004, the Council worked with Step Ahead to conduct methamphetamine awareness. Together, they produced four fliers (in English and Spanish) that focused on understanding methamphetamine addiction and treatment. One of the fliers was included in all electric bills for the City of Huntingburg. The fliers reached over 2,000 people each month, not including the utility mailing. Two forums were also held, one for professionals and one for general public. The forums included speakers from law enforcement, treatment providers, and recovering addicts.
In 2006, the Council hired a part-time Coordinator, Deb Capps, to assist Grantees, compile data for reports, prep for meetings and maintain files. Ms. Capps served the Council as Chair for six years prior to working as the Coordinator. Since being hired, she also composed Standard Operating Procedures for future Coordinators.
In 2007 and 2008, the Council conducted a community awareness campaign regarding prescription drug abuse. Informational fliers were placed in physician offices, non-profit agencies and pharmacies throughout the county. Informational fliers were placed in all utility bills in March. A forum was held in April with speakers from law enforcement, pharmacies, treatment providers and a recovery addict.
In 2008, the Council hosted Isabel Burk. Isabel participated in a local radio show, reaching 1000’s of people. She also conducted presentations to six different audiences, with 256 people total attendance (teens and adults). Her presentations focused on substance abuse issues including huffing, alcohol abuse and advocacy.
The Council enjoys a diverse and involved membership, with an average attendance of fourteen. Members represent youth, faith-base, education, treatment, law enforcement, and business.
In early 2008, Judge Elaine Brown, Superior Court, changed the method for community fund collection from automatic bond inclusion to allowing payments at a later date. She also changed standards for convictions. Funding for the Council dramatically reduced as a result. In May 2008, Mark McConnell was appointed as Superior Court Justice. He is actively working with the Council to increase effectiveness. By December 2008, funding had begun to increase. In 2009 the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute approved the comprehensive plan for the previous 2008 year. New problem statements were developed to include areas of concern in Dubois County. They include:
1. There is a significant rate of underage drinking, tobacco use and other substances in our county.
2. There is an increasing rate of substance abuse among adults in our county.
3. There is a lack of treatment resources in our county.
At the end of 2010 a new coordinator was hired. Janet Schnell has a Master’s degree in Social Work. Funding for the Dubois County Substance Abuse Council has stablized. Grants were funded in areas of prevention/education, treatment/intervention, and law enforcement/justice. The membership has increased with an average attendance of 20. Members continue to be represented by youth, faith-based organizations, educators, treatment providers, law enforcement, judicial, and area businesses.
In 2011 new executive committee members were elected along with a new area of representation. Executive committee members are Chair Nancy Eckerle with Jasper Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair Doug Tarvin Chief of Jasper Police Department, Treasurer Chad Blessinger Tresurer of Dubois County, and Secretary Dave Drew with Jasper Police Department. The new Representatives in the area of Education are Leah Tooley with Greater Jasper High School and Jim McFaul with Vincenness University – Jasper Campus, Treatment is Becky Michael with Southern Hills, Senior Citizens is Becky Beckman with TRI-CAP RSVP, Law Enforcement is Tim Lampert with Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Judicial Judge Mark McConnell with the Dubois County Superior Court, and At Large William Wells with the Dubois County Drug Court.
The Dubois County Substance Abuse Council is pleased that progress has been made in its organization as well as in combating Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) abuse issues within the county. The Council anticipates enjoying a greater impact on substance abuse issues and looks forward to a growing membership.
