PTA TO SHARE CONCERNS ABOUT METHAMPHETAMINE

We are in the midst of an epidemic of catastrophic proportions. The
epidemic is the methamphetamine use and production in the state. We have
seen how meth use can cause a father to subject his 3-year-old daughter to
unbelievable torture, as in the Haley Spicer case.

Meth is an insidious drug that completely alters the addict's value system
and it is addictive the first time it is used. Nothing is more important
than the drug - not spouse, not family, not children or God. What you don't
know about meth can and will hurt your family. We cannot simply sit back
and say, "That's a rural problem" or "That's an inner-city problem."
Methamphetamine use is on the increase, and if it is in the next county or
next door, it is your problem.

The conditions that exist in the homes where meth is being produced are
deplorable. Babies crawl around within reach of highly toxic and explosive
materials. Everything in the home must be decontaminated, including clothes
and toys.

Now consider that the primary goal of our state Department of Children's
Services is to reunite the children who have been removed from these
hazardous situations with the same parents who placed them in harm's way.
Do we have to have more Haley Spicers before we take action to protect the
children who are rescued from these homes?

Knox County Council PTA, with the district attorney's office, is presenting
a program to assist us in becoming better informed to the dangers of
methamphetamine. Join with other concerned groups and individuals from
9-11:30 a.m. Aug. 17 at the Teacher Supply Depot. Knowledge is part of the
solution; ignorance is part of the problem. Be part of the solution.

DIANE B. JABLONSKI

Farragut