Pubdate: Fri, 19 Oct 2001
Source: Indianapolis Star (IN)
Copyright: 2001 Indianapolis Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.starnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/210
Author: Diane Frederick

HOSPITAL HANDS OUT MORE THAN A DOZEN DRUG-SCREENING KITS

LEBANON, Ind. -- Witham Health Services has dispensed 14 drug- screening 
test kits since announcing its giveaway to Boone County parents two weeks ago.

The hospital offered the drug screens in concert with an effort by Boone 
Circuit Judge Steve David to fight drug and alcohol abuse in the county.

David, who sits as juvenile court judge, proposed the idea to Witham, said 
Amy Hammerle, the hospital's manager of marketing and public relations.

Hammerle said Thursday that Witham has handed out 14 kits since the program 
was announced Oct. 3.

The kits and laboratory analysis are free to Boone County residents, with 
the cost being underwritten by Witham.

Out-of-county residents pay a $15 fee, Hammerle said.

Ten kits went to Boone County residents and four to Marion County 
residents, she said.

Hammerle said screenings have been completed on four returned kits.

"We test for a variety of drugs, from nicotine to alcohol, cocaine, 
amphetamines, barbiturates -- the whole range of drugs to which, 
unfortunately, our children have access," Hammerle said.

Results are confidential and go to the parent or legal guardian who submits 
the samples and completes the accompanying paperwork, she said.

"Our main goal is to work with Judge David to increase awareness that we 
can do this service and offer it to Boone County parents without charge to 
help empower the parents," Hammerle said.

David said, "If parents have access to this type of information, they can 
immediately intervene to get help for their child."

The kits are available from the Witham toxicology laboratory and come with 
a list of treatment programs and counseling services.

To obtain a kit, call 1-765-483-1800.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens