HOSPITAL DONATES $20,000 TO FIGHT METH

MARION - The war against methamphetamine devastation received a boost
from a major ally on Monday afternoon.

Heartland Regional Medical Center presented $20,000 to the Williamson
County Coalition Against Methamphetamine Abuse, a group created in
2004 to bolster public awareness about the dangers of meth.

State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, said the donation would go a long
way toward beginning to fight some of the crippling effects meth has
had on his district.

"We're all soldiers in this war, and we're receiving a lot of
ammunition today," Bradley said.

Although meth is a widely acknowledged destroyer of Southern
Illinois, many don't realize that it crosses all demographic lines,
Williamson County Sheriff Tom Cundiff said.

"Meth has transcended any boundaries," Cundiff said. "We've
recognized this as a dreaded disease we're trying to stamp out."

Cundiff said Williamson County is looking into the possibility of
implementing a drug court, similar to the one in Saline County.

For now, the Williamson County meth coalition is working with area
entities to try and fight the epidemic before it spreads, said
Michelle Hamilton, chairwoman of the coalition.

"Not only has Heartland made this contribution, they have encouraged
us and provided staff," Hamilton said. "With help like this, we can
continue to fight this epidemic that is taking away the lives and
futures of our citizens and devastating our children and families."

Tim Schmidt, Heartland CEO, said the hospital has always considered
itself a strong partner in the fight against meth.

"I can think of no greater threat to the youth of America, because
methamphetamine is so addictive and so destructive," Schmidt said.
"Heartland Regional Medical Center and all hospitals are strong
proponents in eradicating meth."