Southeast Ohio utilizing center as a resource

by Kim Smith
Staff Writer

After almost a month of serving Southeast Ohio, Resource Room officials say they have been able to help more people than expected.

The Resource Room for Prevention Education opened March 2 at 7990 Dairy Lane. The center, which is a resource to Ohio residents of all ages, has had a large amount of response, said Svea Maxwell, center coordinator.

"Our mission is to serve as one of the state centers for information, training and technical assistance about the best practices for creating safe, drug-free schools and communities," she said.

People can pick up pamphlets and books about various topics, from drug addiction to school violence to sexual harassment. The center is sponsored by the Ohio Prevention and Education Resource Center (OPERC), which is based at the University of Cincinnati, Maxwell said.

Individuals or organizations can order up to 10 different items from the local center. The materials are free for all Ohio residents, as the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services and Ohio Department of Education cover the cost, said Bonnie Hedrick, OPERC director.

"We want to empower people with this information," she said.

People also can get information from the center's clearinghouse in Columbus. The warehouse harbors up to 600 different types of sources, in pamphlet, book or other media forms, said Lois Maier, warehouse manager.

"The Athens center acts as a satellite, serving to establish local referrals," Hedrick said. "The kind of services available are geared to the area."

OPERC began in 1991 in response to the Safe and Drug-free School Act of 1988. The organization provides technical support for groups that encourage better education, including the Partnership for a Drug-free Ohio, Safe Schools and Community Coalition Building, Hedrick said.

OPERC has offices throughout Ohio, including in Cleveland, Toledo and Youngstown, Maxwell said. The Athens location was set up to serve the southeastern part of the state. All of the centers also provide libraries of information for technical support, school projects and Internet access.