While many in Marion County are unaware of the existence of the Marion County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (SAPC), the group has been hard at work. SAPC serves to support the prevention of underage drinking and substance misuse in Marion County. SAPC’s mission was first birthed in 2010 under the Families And Communities Together (FACT) organization and has since developed into a task force comprised of countywide members from 12 sectors, all working together to produce positive change in the Marion County community. SAPC diligently works within the five school districts of rural Marion County, partnering with the various law enforcement agencies, Prairie View Mental Health Center, Marion County Health Department, K-State Research and Extension and other local, county and state entities. “I think it’s important for the public to know that we do have drug issues whether it be alcohol or substance misuse within the county for the underage population. In the past, a lot of us just buried our heads and thought it doesn’t happen here. But it does,” said SAPC Director Terry Bebermeyer. “I think people are starting to come to realize that. SAPC’s whole purpose is to help people realize that and to do what we can as far as avoiding the problems and preventing abuse or even addiction.”
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
