A newly formed community organization, the Hampton County Coalition, recently met at the Hampton County Library to begin addressing problems which impact our community.
A group of more than a dozen citizens and community leaders attended a recent Hampton County Coalition meeting at the Hampton County Library. Recently organized, the group energetically discussed topics of concern which directly impact the county, both negatively and positively.
Composed of residents from all walks of life and professional backgrounds, the meeting was sponsored by the New Life Center. After filling up on provided refreshments, attendees began discussions in an attempt to formulate a needs assessment plan for Hampton County. A strategic assessment plan will help to implement positive change at a community level, organizers believe.
Monthly meetings will seek to facilitate ways of focusing attention on particular needs within the county, especially youth needs. New Life Center organizers hope to involve additional members of the public, schools, county officials, town officials, Department of Social Services members and youth leaders from the community.
Some of the issues discussed during the meeting were the county’s increasing dropout rate of high school students, lack of activities for youth, drug addiction, crime, an increased focus on education, teen pregnancy reduction, sex trafficking prevention, child care needs and the implementation of vocational training within the county, as well as other needs.
Also discussed was the fact that, several months ago, the New Life Center, along with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, sponsored a prescription pill take-back program, which allowed the general public an opportunity to safely dispose of household medicines in a responsible manner. It is not recommended to flush expired or unneeded prescription pills down a faucet/toilet due to the possibility of drinking water contamination. For this reason, the New Life Center approached the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office seeking permission to place a prescription drop-off box at the HCSO. The pill drop off box will remain in the HCSO indefinitely, says Hampton County Sheriff T.C. Smalls.
The monthly meetings are open to the general public who, along with local officials, are greatly encouraged to attend meetings. The next Hampton County Coalition meeting will be held on Nov. 28 at the Hampton County Library’s conference room. Meeting will continue to be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month.
The group still needs a co-chair, secretary and members to draft a vision and mission statement for the group. Contact the New Life Center for additional information regarding the monthly meetings.