Copyright: 2004 The Huntsville Times
Contact: htimes@htimes.com
Website: http://www.htimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/730
Author: Deborah Soule, For The Times
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST METH

Dedication And Cooperation Can Make A Difference

Most of The Times' readers are probably aware that Huntsville's neighboring
counties to the south and east (Marshall, Jackson and DeKalb) have had
major methamphetamine problems.

Several deaths have been reported in these counties and numerous fires and
explosions related to manufacturing this drug are occurring more and more
frequently. "Mom and Pop" labs are steadily increasing in the bordering
counties. This deadly and highly addictive drug has now become a serious
problem in Huntsville/Madison County.

To stop the demand for this easily attainable drug, the Partnership for a
Drug-Free Community's Law Enforcement Coalition developed an educational
campaign which would alert youth and families about the dangers of
methamphetamine.

This dedicated group, led by Sgt. Jim Winn, Huntsville Police Department,
and commander of the Strategic Counterdrug Team, planned a series of four
town forums which were held in February.

The coalition comprised of Drug Enforcement Agent Rocky Harnen, Sgt.
Michael Salmonsky, Madison County Sheriff's Department, Sammy Helton,
HEMSI, Dr. Larry Robey, Public Health, Dr. Kitson Francis (private
practice), Dr. Stephen Taylor (private practice), Telly Lanier, Mental
Health Center, Ron Williams (Alabama Cooperative Extension), and
Investigator Matt Thornberry of the district attorney's office participated
as panelists for the forums.

Thanks to The Huntsville Times' support, Wendy Reeves' outstanding
articles, and the great photographers, the message got out. Over 225 youth
and adults attended the forums and the surveys revealed an 83 percent
increase of awareness and knowledge of methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine has arrived in our community, but it is not welcome. The
attendees learned what to do, what to look for and where to go for help.
They are armed with knowledge and will fight back against the drugs that
try to destroy our youth.

Deborah Soule is executive director of Partnership for a Drug-Free
Community Inc.