PIP events under discussion

Partners in Prevention (PIP) is planning public events this spring as part of introducing the new county-wide effort to provide substance education to youth.
Bailey Taylor, director of the new Drug Free Community project funded by a federal grant for the next five years, was hired by the grant's fiduciary agency, the Jasper School District, late last year and has been working on developing the program with the guidance of a 12-member core committee and other members of the PIP coalition.
The coalition held a meeting last Jan. 9.
Bailey said kick-off events are being tentatively scheduled for March after the conclusion of the scholastic basketball season. They need to be held before the end of classes in early May.
"Hopefully we can make a more concrete plan," Taylor said as she continues to stay in communication with area schools.

Taylor has already been making self-introductions in the community having met with the Jasper/Newton County Chamber of Commerce and with the Jasper Pioneers Extension Homemakers Club. PIP has become a Chamber member.
Taylor said she has been most occupied undergoing professional development training and has an upcoming trip scheduled to Washington, D.C. She said she would give a report about that trip to the coalition at its next meeting in February.