CLEVELAND, Tenn. — A drug abuse prevention group here is reminding parents that counseling and education help are available to help their children.

The reminder was issued by the Going Respectfully Against Addictive Behavior Coalition following the recent death of a 14-year-old boy.

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Department said Johnathan Tucker died after he and a 15-year-old boy took medication prescribed for someone else. The other teen became ill but survived.

The coalition recently began offering professional and confidential counseling services to Bradley County families, according to Joyce Vanderpool, GRAAB coordinator. Fees are based on individual family situations.

“No person in need will be turned away,” Mrs. Vanderpool said.

People needing help should not be stopped by perceived stereotypes about seeking counseling, said Matthew Tolbert, a GRAAB counselor.

Matt Ryerson is GRAAB executive director and Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative director.

“Please don’t think we are only about addiction,” he said. “We are available to answer questions or provide assistance at the first sign of some sort of problem,” he said “If you observe unusual or different behavior in a friend or family member, call or e-mail for suggestions or assistance.”

The coalition was formed in 2006 with help from the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative through a three-year state grant. The purpose is to bring people and community groups together to deal with drug, alcohol and tobacco issues affecting children. The name was chosen by local students who sit on the coalition’s board.

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