Union County Anti-Drug Coalition History

The Beginning

The Rotary Club of Union County The Union County Anti-Drug Coalition was seeded as a project of the Union County Rotary Club in 2006. The reason was the belief that An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Ton of Treatment. While numerous organizations addressed the problems of addicts, the community needed a group that would encourage adults, teens and children to never start. The Rotary Club provided organizational and financial assistance.

The Union County Anti-Drug Coalition originally had a 15-member Board of Directors, with each director from a different segment of the local community such as education, business, faith, parent, civic, health care, media, youth services, government, law enforcement, treatment organization, etc.

Mike Priven was the first chairman of the UCADC and served faithfully. Along with Bob Ramey and many others, the organization began to make an impact on the community. Being retired, Mike relinquished the position as Chairman, but remained on the Board of Directors. For his faithful service and guidance of the organization, Mike was bestowed the honor of Chairman Emeritus in 2010. Jimmy Tanner became the second Chairman of the organization and served until the end of 2010.

Norm Cooper began as Chairman in January 2011 and currently serves as Program Coordinator.

Drug use does not fit in with attaining productive goals in life.

Where we are today

The Union County Anti-Drug Coalition underwent some reorganizing in the last few months of 2010 with the purpose of reviving its original intent of reaching the community with its message and expanding the number of people who would be involved with the organization.

The Board of Directors was reduced in number to operate with eight to ten people. The board meets monthly to conduct business and provide direction for the organization.

A collaborative was formed that includes an unlimited number of people from the community. The collaborative meets three or four times a year. Their function is to receive information about the organization’s activities, to become up-to-date on the overall drug situation in the county, and to provide suggestions on how the organization can more fully fulfill its mission.

The new board was elected in November 2010, with Chairman Norman Cooper, Vice Chair Amy Pollin, Treasurer Ben Maltby, Secretary Tim Grizzle, Chairman Emeritus Mike Priven, William Stone, Johnny Carroll, Scott Deyton, Lewis McAfee, and Tony Stewart. The organization has a program coordinator who serves as the director for the organization.

Contributions from Union County

Union County Commissioner Lamar Paris has been a valuable resource for the Union County Anti-Drug Coalition.

An office and conference room is provided for the organization in the Union County Annex on Hunt-Martin Street in Blairsville. The Commissioner also provides funds to assist in the operation of the UCADC.

Commissioner Paris served on the original board of directors. He is a member of the collaborative and serves as a valued advisor to the board of directors.

Norm Cooper and Mike Priven

UCADC Chairman Norman Cooper and Chairman Emeritus Mike Priven

UCADC Office

The Union County Anti-Drug Coalition office was renovated and reorganized in 2011.

UCADC Conference Room

The Union County Anti-Drug Coalition Conference Room is where the Board of Directors meet monthly, and where activities and events are planned by various volunteers.