Pubdate: Mon, 03 Nov 2003
Source: Parklander, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 Hinton Parklander
Contact:  http://www.hintonparklander.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/782
Author: Jim Gates
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

MEET METH

HDAC Canvasses Door-To-Door With Information On Methamphetamine

Hinton - Do you suspect that someone you know is using methamphetamine? Do 
you know how it effects people? And do you know what you can do to help a 
friend or family member on meth?

The answers to these and other questions will be brought to your door 
sometime between Oct. 27 and Nov. 8 by canvassers for the Hinton Drug 
Action Committee (HDAC).

The volunteers will hand out packages containing information about the 
detrimental effects of the drug, withdrawal symptoms, how to identify a 
meth user and how you can help someone quit.

If you meet a canvasser face to face they will be happy to answer any 
questions you have about meth, and if you are not home they will leave the 
information package at your door.

"We want to make the public more aware that meth is a serious issue in 
town," said HDAC chair Tammy Allen, "and we want people to recognize that 
they as community members can get involved and help."

Allen says meth use affects everyone in the community, not just those who 
use the drug.

"The crime rate is directly related to meth abuse. The cost on our entire 
society goes up every time someone else starts using."

After conducting a 123 household telephone survey, HDAC decided going 
door-to-door with the information would be the best way to get their 
message across. Allen says the telephone survey showed that people in 
Hinton are aware there is a meth problem, but do not know much about the 
drug itself.

"We felt that with face-to-face conversation people would learn more, and 
remember more of what they learned," said Allen.

The canvassers will hit the streets between 5-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 
and after 1:30 p.m. on the weekends.

As a follow up to its door-to-door campaign, HDAC will hold a public 
workshop on meth, which will focus on what Hinton can do to make itself a 
more drug resistant community.

As well, at the November Chamber of Commerce meeting held at the McCracken 
Country Inn there will be a speaker who will talk to retailers about the 
precursors used to make meth, and teaching them to be aware of people 
buying suspicious quantities.

The meeting will be held Nov.18. For information contact Janna LeGrow at 
the Chamber of Commerce at 865-2777.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom