The Christian County Prevention Coalition is looking to raise awareness of (CRAY-tum) kratom.  The term references the leaves of a tropical evergreen tree native to southeast Asia.  Excessive consumption of kratom is shown to carry effects similar to illicit drugs, including opioids.  This has led to bans on the substance in the states of Utah and Washington, while officials in Massachusetts and Idaho have proposed similar measures.

Sam Brown is a committee member with the Christian County Prevention Coalition.  She says while the substance is consumed in southeast Asia for specific medical purposes, it is being sold in parts of the U.S. in more concentrated forms. 

Brown says CCPC wants to communicate the dangers of kratom, along with the ways it is marketed to consumers. 

This is just one part of the work the Christian County Prevention Coalition does.  Along with Brown, Erin Crommett – another committee member – says the group helps the community through a holistic approach, which includes addressing food insecurity. 

The Coalition also works closely with law enforcement agencies in their efforts to help those experiencing drug addiction.  Committee members have attended the graduation ceremonies as part of the Safe Passage program. 

The Christian County Prevention Coalition is also promoting a “family movie night” it’s hosting as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, which is in May.  The event is set for Saturday, May 30 in the Chautauqua building at Manners Park in Taylorville.  The featured movie that night is Inside Out. 

More information on the Christian County Prevention Coalition is available at www.cc-pc.org. 

Sam Brown and Erin Crommett appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.