GACP 1st Quarter Newsletter 2019 2019_1stQuarterNewsletter_Final | Page 10

In case you missed it… DEPARTMENT RESOURCES | IMPORTANT BROADCASTS | WEB UPDATES Opiod Epidemic The US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency has resources that can assist rural communities combating the opioid epidemic. We are thankful to team up with Georgia's statewide Opioid Task Force. Our funds can be used through public bodies or non-profit corporations to build, renovate, equip, or rehabilitate essential community facilities such as hospitals, mental health clinics, withdrawal centers, educational facilities, and more. Eligible uses also includes upgrading E-9-1-1 systems and equipment and purchasing police, fire and ambulance vehicles. In general, a city, town or unincorporated area with a population less than 20,000 and unable to secure funding elsewhere can be eligible. Direct loans, loan guarantees and grants are available. Grants are capped at $25,000 per eligible project. Contact us to get started. CONTACT INFO Cartersville (678) 719-3508 Monroe (770) 267-1413, Ext. 4 Fort Valley (478) 827-0016, Ext. 4 Sandersville (478) 552-6073, Ext. 4 Tifton (229) 382-0273, Ext. 4 Douglas (912) 384-4811, Ext. 4 Rural Development Georgia Opioid Response Coordinator: Deborah.Callahan@ga.usda.gov (706) 552-2595 Distracted Driving Information One of GACP President Joseph Wirthman's goals this year has been to support and encourage agencies to become actively involved in the education and enforcement campaign to reduce distracted driving in Georgia. During the 2018 Legislative Session Georgia's Distracted Driving Law was modified to make it easier for officers to enforce. This was done because between 2014 and 2016 traffic crashes in Georgia increased 36% and fatalities increased 34%. It is believed that these increases were because of a rise in distracted driving accidents. The GACP, and its members, must work diligently to educate the public to the dangers associated with distracted driving and engage in active law enforcement efforts. The GACP is proud to announce that this goal will be achieved through active enforcement by our member agencies as well as through the GACP partnership with the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). GACP personnel have been working with GOHS personnel to get information out in reference to some materials that could be ordered for distribution from the GOHS Safety Store. There are three links to pdfs below in this email that will have beneficial information in reference to distracted driving. GACP is also sharing the following list of materials that can be ordered for free in quantities of up to 500 for distribution. The links below are active and will take you to the specific brochures listed that can be ordered for free at the GOHS Safety Store. This is a separate link that will lead to the store: http://www2.gahighwaysafety.org/gohsstore/shop/category.aspx?catid=14 Links to informative materials (pdfs): Hands Free Act | Hands Free Georgia Law | Hands Free State Release www.gachiefs.com • Page 10 • 1st Quarter Newsletter