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Harlan Today
By the People, for the People
Harlan County Students Participate in Drug Prevention Program
Operation UNITE's On The Move program brings interactive learning experiences to 7th graders.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Seventh graders from across the Harlan County School District in Kentucky recently participated in the Operation UNITE On the Move Drug Prevention Program at James A. Cawood Elementary School. The program featured interactive learning experiences like an Interactive Mobile Classroom, Simulated Impaired Driving Experience, and Fatal Vision Tri-Cycle Course to teach students about the dangers of drug and alcohol use.
Why it matters
Drug and alcohol abuse among youth remains a significant public health concern, and programs like Operation UNITE's On The Move aim to educate students early on the risks and consequences of substance use. By providing hands-on, immersive learning opportunities, the program helps students develop the knowledge and decision-making skills to make safe, healthy choices.
The details
The On the Move program was led by PRI School Coordinator Tracy Bailey, FRYSC Coordinator Joey Hawkins, and Prevention Specialist Mark Davis, along with other PRI, FRYSC, and GEAR UP coordinators. Students participated in activities like the Interactive Mobile Classroom, which is designed to teach about drugs and their harmful effects, as well as the Simulated Impaired Driving Experience (SIDNE) where they rode in a battery-powered go-kart to simulate the effects of impairment on driving. They also completed the Fatal Vision Tri-Cycle Course, where they wore impaired-driving goggles while navigating a tricycle through a designated course to demonstrate visual impairment from substance use.
- The program took place last week at James A. Cawood Elementary School in Harlan County, Kentucky.
The players
Tracy Bailey
PRI School Coordinator who helped lead the On the Move program.
Joey Hawkins
FRYSC Coordinator who partnered with Bailey to bring the Operation UNITE program to Harlan County.
Mark Davis
Prevention Specialist who participated in delivering the interactive learning experiences to students.
Operation UNITE
A non-profit organization that provides drug prevention and education programs in Kentucky, including the On the Move program.
Harlan County School District
The school district in Harlan County, Kentucky where the 7th grade students participated in the On the Move program.
The takeaway
Programs like Operation UNITE's On The Move are critical in equipping young students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and avoid the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. By providing immersive, hands-on learning experiences, the program aims to empower students to make safe decisions that will benefit their long-term health and wellbeing.
