GET INFORMED ABOUT THE DANGERS OF METH

Grab the nearest teenager you can find and explain to him or her that
meth is dangerous. A 2007 survey of Idaho teens released on Tuesday
shows that a vast majority of that population is unaware of the
dangers of meth.

The Idaho Meth Use & Attitudes survey shows that many Idaho teens see
little to no risk in trying meth and have not tried to stop friends
from taking the highly addictive drug.

Twenty-two percent of teens believe meth will make them happy; 25
percent believe meth will help them lose weight and 17 percent said
meth use would help them have increased energy.

The average class size in junior and senior high in Idaho is 25. This
means that one student in each class is using meth, according to
Megan Ronk, executive director of the Idaho Meth Project.

As most Bee readers know, this newspaper has begun a series of public
service announcement ads to remind readers of the dangers of meth and
to hopefully open lines of communications between parents and teens.

In addition, the Bee is teaming up with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber
of Commerce to bring Ronk to the February chamber lunch on Feb. 14 at
the Cedar Hills Church.

Reservations for the lunch need to be made by calling 263-0887. You
don't have to be a chamber member to attend this important meeting.

"Meth impacts us all," said chamber executive director Amy Little.
"Any health care provider or law enforcement official will tell you
that meth continues to ruin lives."

The Bee will also be distributing an anti-meth publication to all
Bonner County schools through the Newspapers in Education program.

Parents, grandparents and anyone who cares about humanity needs to
get informed about meth.

We feel it is this newspaper's responsibility to help provide that
information.