Pubdate: Thu, 04 Mar 2004
Source: Huntsville Times (AL)

Copyright: 2004 The Huntsville Times
Contact:  http://www.htimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/730
Author: Deborah Soule, For The Times
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST METH

Dedication And Cooperation Can Make A Difference

Most of The Times' readers are probably aware that Huntsville's neighboring 
counties to the south and east (Marshall, Jackson and DeKalb) have had 
major methamphetamine problems.

Several deaths have been reported in these counties and numerous fires and 
explosions related to manufacturing this drug are occurring more and more 
frequently. "Mom and Pop" labs are steadily increasing in the bordering 
counties. This deadly and highly addictive drug has now become a serious 
problem in Huntsville/Madison County.

To stop the demand for this easily attainable drug, the Partnership for a 
Drug-Free Community's Law Enforcement Coalition developed an educational 
campaign which would alert youth and families about the dangers of 
methamphetamine.

This dedicated group, led by Sgt. Jim Winn, Huntsville Police Department, 
and commander of the Strategic Counterdrug Team, planned a series of four 
town forums which were held in February.

The coalition comprised of Drug Enforcement Agent Rocky Harnen, Sgt. 
Michael Salmonsky, Madison County Sheriff's Department, Sammy Helton, 
HEMSI, Dr. Larry Robey, Public Health, Dr. Kitson Francis (private 
practice), Dr. Stephen Taylor (private practice), Telly Lanier, Mental 
Health Center, Ron Williams (Alabama Cooperative Extension), and 
Investigator Matt Thornberry of the district attorney's office participated 
as panelists for the forums.

Thanks to The Huntsville Times' support, Wendy Reeves' outstanding 
articles, and the great photographers, the message got out. Over 225 youth 
and adults attended the forums and the surveys revealed an 83 percent 
increase of awareness and knowledge of methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine has arrived in our community, but it is not welcome. The 
attendees learned what to do, what to look for and where to go for help. 
They are armed with knowledge and will fight back against the drugs that 
try to destroy our youth.

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Deborah Soule is executive director of Partnership for a Drug-Free 
Community Inc.
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