On August 6, 2008 the Amicalola EMC Trust presented the Dawson County Treatment Court a $750 award following a grant submittal by Treatment Court Coordinator Bob King.

King initiated a program to assist drug court participants with dental care. “Many drug court clients come in with ‘meth mouth,’ severe dental deterioration due to methamphetamine use,” said King.

“Participants are not allowed to use pain medication during the two-year program and most have lost dental insurance due to their substance abuse,” he said. Realizing this leads to relapse, King reached out to the community and found a dentist willing to work at reduced rates. He also applied for grants and donations to Friends of Recovery to assist in defraying costs.

Funding for the grant is made available to Amicalola EMC Trust through the Operation Round-Up® Program. Funds are collected through the program by “rounding up” to the nearest dollar the power bills paid to Amicalola EMC by its participating customers.

“This grant will be very beneficial to program participants,” said King.

(Left to right) Charles Gibson, President/CEO, Amicalola EMC, Doug Caldwell, Operation Roundup Board of Directors, Shawn Dutcher, Young Life, Marina Barron, NOA’s Ark, Bill Burt, Young Life, Bob King, Dawson County Treatment Court