DISTURBING IDAHO METH PROJECT ADS WORKING

Shocking, scary and very disturbing.

These are words which are normally associated with horror movies, but
are an apt description for the preventative television, radio and
print advertisements used by the Idaho Meth Project.

"The ads are a tool that thrusts meth use into your face and makes it
impossible to look away," said Cindy Smith-Putnam a southeastern Idaho
volunteer coordinator for the Idaho Meth Project.

The Idaho Meth Project Web site quotes Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter
as saying, "You're going to see disturbing and even shocking images of
what meth does to people. These public service spots don't sugar-coat
it, because it's just that ugly. And Idahoans need to see and hear the
truth about this drug."

Based on the successful "Not Even Once" campaign by the Montana Meth
Project, the television and radio ads have now been airing in Idaho
for months. But unlike your average public service announcement, these
advertisements run during prime-time hours.

And the ads are having an effect. Throughout the state, Idahoans are
learning about meth use and how it can be spotted and prevented.

In November, the Idaho Meth Project volunteer program was up to 600
participants, less then a year after the program was launched in
Idaho. So far, the volunteer program has contributed more than 5,500
hours to a prevention program aimed at preventing first time meth use
through public awareness.

More than 300 preventative presentations have already been given to
local schools, service organizations and community groups, and the
program has hosted 18 fundraising events, including music festivals
and fashion shows.

Locally the Idaho Meth Project has held a number of fundraising and
awareness events.

On Oct. 27, Lady Antebellum, a new county group, performed at an Idaho
Meth Project fundraiser at the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls. About
$140,000 was raised to help continue the ad campaign.

Awareness events such as the Free Family Forums have also been held in
Idaho Falls sponsored by local hospitals.

According to Smith-Putnam, these events have touched the lives of more
then 1,200 southeast Idahoans.

"We were blown away by the response to these forums," said
Smith-Putnam. "We are so proud of southeastern Idaho. The area has
really stepped up and got involved. The ads might make people aware of
the issues, but it's common, ordinary folks working arm in arm that
will ultimately fix the problem."

The Idaho Meth Project is affiliated with the National Meth Project in
Palo Alto, Calif., and is based around the model developed by the
Montana Meth Project.

The beneficial results of the Montana Meth Project have been
huge.

Two years after the launch of the Montana Meth Project, adult
methamphetamine use dropped by 70 percent in that state. In 2005,
Montana ranked fifth in the nation for worst meth abuse -- in 2007, it
ranked 39th, according to the Idaho Meth Project Web site.

Idaho drug statistics indicate that meth use is also significant in
Idaho.

Fifty-two percent of Idaho inmates directly attribute meth use to
their incarceration, and 80 percent of child placements by Idaho
Health and Welfare are directly related to drug abuse, with
methamphetamine being the most prevalent.

According to statistical studies featured on the Idaho Meth Project
Web site, it costs Idaho tax payers $66 million annually to house
adult male inmates who admit to having a meth problem.

But based upon the results of the Montana Meth Project, Idaho Meth
Project officials are hopeful of similar results in Idaho.

"When we first opened our doors, we knew we were taking on a huge
problem. Meth addiction tears communities apart, but Idahoans are
ready to take their towns and cities back," said Megan Ronk, executive
director of the Idaho Meth Project. "Every single day I'm encouraged
and thrilled to see people from every corner of the state joining
together in the fight against meth. We are incredibly grateful for the
energy and commitment of all our volunteers who have embraced this
important work. They keep us going."

For more information about the Idaho Meth Project, visit the Web site
www.idahomethproject.org.