R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28.1-2: Powers and duties.

Narcotic guidance councils shall develop a program of community participation regarding control of the use of narcotics at the local level. These councils shall direct themselves toward accomplishing the following:

(1) Make immediately available to the community, basic knowledge acquired in the field of drug use especially by youth;

(2) Create a climate in which persons seeking assistance in coping with narcotics problems can meet, without embarrassment, with responsible individuals or agencies in a position to render assistance;

(3) Authorize persons approved by the council to contact and counsel persons within the community suspected of using narcotics or those persons allegedly having knowledge of that usage; and

(4) Cooperate with other narcotic guidance councils and with the state, and federal narcotics commissions and agencies in bringing local and community trouble areas to their attention.