The Christian County Prevention Coalition, a group of local civic leaders and concerned citizens, held an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium, to discuss the rapid increase in drug use in the county, and the apparent death of at least one person over the weekend due to a drug overdose.

Several Christian County officials, including Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp, State's Attorney Michael Havara, and Coroner Amy Calvert Winans, were in attendance.

Former Christian County Circuit Judge John Coady led the meeting.  Christian County Circuit Court judge Brad Paisley talked about the Drug Court that has gained results for several people charged with drug use, but added that the court isn't reaching enough people.  Paisley added that the county needs to partner with local hospitals for detox beds.

Former drug user Dennis Metzger told the group that the county needs a treatment center, sober living facilities, and jobs for the addicts. 

The Coalition's next meeting will be Wednesday, July 27th at 4:30 in the afternoon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital, in room 466.  The public is welcome to attend.