Parents who want to know if their child is taking drugs can now get a drug testing kit for free.

Logan County Sheriff Eddie Hunter had some good news for parents concerned that their kids may be experimenting with or using drugs or alcohol. The Logan Sheriff's Department is making free drug testing kits available to parents across the county through the school system.

"I have been delivering drug testing kits to schools in Logan and Chapmanville today," Sheriff Hunter said recently. "The kits contain an alcohol screen test and a six panel drug test. I want to emphasize this is for parents only. You can pick the kits up at the local schools guidance counsel office and test your children in the privacy of your own homes. I don't want to know the results and neither does the school. This information is for parents."

Hunter noted the tests were of good quality and that the alcohol test was Department of Transportation approved. Results let parents know which of six drugs a screening shows if the results come back "dirty." The drugs tested for include marijuana, amphetamines, Methamphetamine, cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines via a plastic device containing a urine dip card which reacts positively or negatively.

If parents find their child has a problem they can contact a medical professional, counselor or substance abuse provider they are comfortable with. The kits are rated at 98 percent accurate.

"It's up to the parents to decide, if they want to test their kids in the privacy of their own home. We have made this available to them. You can pick them up at the High School Counselors office, or the Sheriff's Department or probation office. Eventually we will make them available in the cars with our deputies," Hunter said.

Hunter shared the news with members of the PIECES board of directors recently, when he discussed the testing program and another program his office will be initiating.

Hunter discussed the free drug screening kits available to parents, adding that his department will also be working with the Drug Enforcement Agency on a new project to gather up and dispose of prescription pain medication in a proper manner.

Hunter said the test kits were not cheap, but he felt it was worth it to make a needed resource available to parents.

The drug testing project was one of the most intriguing topics for discussion at the 2008 Drug Summit held by PIECES in Logan County. Chad Barker of the Boone County Sheriff's Department said the BCSD was working with the Boone County Board of Education on a strictly voluntary program that offered free at-home drug testing kits to parents so they can test their own children for drugs or alcohol.

The kits are available from sheriff's deputies and school employees and there are no strings attached.

As in the Logan Program, parents have no obligation to report the test results to the school or the sheriff's department as the results are for the parents own edification. As in Boone County the test kits were paid for out of funds from the Concealed Carry Permit fund. The alcohol tests were paid for partially from an underage drinking grant.

PIECES member Kristi Adkins said she was convinced it was a good idea and that PIECES would be glad to offer their assistance in getting the program set up here.

The goal of this program is to get parents to talk about drugs with their kids. The kits also include information about substance abuse resources available in the community and a reference to a web site www.dasis3samhsa.gov to find a listing of nearly 100 facilities within 100 miles of Logan County. (Hunter noted his department does not condone methadone treatment.)

The other program is called "Take Back" and will be supervised by the LCSD and the US 119 Drug Task Force who will work with the DEA in setting up collection points in three areas of the county where a law enforcement officer will be present to gather prescription pills and transport them to another location for disposal in a similar manner as evidence.

"We need approval from the DEA," Hunter explained to PIECES, which will be working with Deputy Sonja Porter on the program. Hunter said the program if for prescription drugs, not "street drugs" like marijuana or cocaine.

Hunter said the D.A.R.E. program will also be returning to the Logan County School system this semester.