A pilot program to get ready low-cost drug tests to the public is in a state of being liable to way in Greenup and Lewis counties.

Organizers declaration the goal of the program is to provide tests that can be used as a deterrent. “The purpose of it is to help families be able to afford to test their family members, to help them keep them off drugs,” said 20th District Judge Brian McCloud, who started the program in July.

McCloud said the program started out of a need in the juvenile court system. “We ordered during kids to be drug tested. What came about was family members told us they couldn’t afford to do the drug testing,” he said.

The court began subsidizing the require to be paid to provide tests to parents of juveniles who had previously been in court on drug charges.

He said the program proved to be a successful deterrent. With the help of Rep. Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore, who was able to secure $3,000 in funding in the state budget, the tests be able to now be offered to the general public.

If a child knows there is the possibility he or she could be tested by a father at any time, there may be a decision not to use, McCloud said. “This program is an attempt to yield families with the tools to deal with drug use before it turns into a criminal matter,” he said.

Pullin applauded McCloud for his idea. “I was very happy to see someone’sitting creative thinking,” she said. The deaden with narcotics problem has become so intrusive, Pullin said, whole possible options need to be pursued.

The urine-based tests, which are available notwithstanding $5, test for a range of drugs both prescription and illegal, including: opiates, Hydrocodone, Percocet, oxycodone, marijuana, cocaine, Xanax, Valium, PCP and methamphetamine. The tests are importunate and are similar to a close pregnancy test, according to McCloud.

The tests are initially being subsidized by the agency of dint of. state funds, but McCloud said organizers dependence to make the program self-sustainable. “A small amount of tax dollars worn out for prevention it being so that will rescue censure dollars spent later in the criminal justice system,” he reported.

Tests are available at Greenup Circuit Court Clerk Allen Reed’s office in the courthouse annex. The office can be reached at (606) 473-9869.

Tests are available in Lewis County at Lewis Circuit Court Clerk Kathy Hardy’sitting office in the courthouse. The corporation can be reached at (606) 796-3053.

CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.