METH PROBLEM MAKES AN IMPACT ON CHILDREN

A new program developed nationwide for children exposed to drugs and other
toxic chemicals is being made possible in Fort Payne through the
cooperative efforts of several local agencies.

The Drug-Endangered Children Program, according to District Attorney Mike
O'Dell, is a cooperative effort of representatives of the Drug Task Force
of each, Department of Human Resources child protective services workers
and medical personnel to take care of children exposed to toxic materials.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 35 percent of children
found at math labs across the county tested positive for toxic levels of
chemicals in their bodies during 2001.

"Our goal is to provide a wide range of services and care for each of these
children, and to make sure they get the proper care needed at the scene,"
O'Dell said.

With that in mind, the plan is to incorporate several mental health
advocates, drug treatment components, juvenile probation workers and
therapeutic, public health and environmental services professionals into
the program.

Drug Task Force Commander Darrell Collins said when a child is found at a
meth lab the first thing they do is call the Department of Human Resources
and provide the compassion and attention the child needs until someone gets
there.

"Most of my guys have children and know what to do in cases like this,"
Collins said. "Our main concern right now is finding the money to purchase
an emergency response vehicle that will be available at the scene."

The cost of the vehicle is expected to be around $125,000, and officials
are looking at federal grants to come up with the money.

The vehicle will be equipped with an on-board shower facility to
decontaminate, at the scene, those children who have been exposed to the
toxic chemicals.

"We have learned that these children must be showered with cold water to
close the ores and keep the chemicals from being absorbed through the
skin," Collins said.

The program is a national initiative funded by a $2.5 million in federal
money. The local DEC program has not received any outside funding, but
O'Dell said local agencies involved have expressed a desire and commitment
to make this project a success, even if no additional funding is secured.

"We all have an abiding concern for the welfare of our children, and even
though this program will strain our financial resources were are committed
to seeing it work," O'Dell said "It is our hope that somewhere down the
road we will be able to secure funding necessary to provide adequate
services in all these health and safety-related arenas, but until then we
will strive to do the best we can with what resources we have."