Pubdate: Tue, 08 Nov 2005
Source: Sand Mountain Reporter, The (Albertsville, AL)
Copyright: 2005 Sand Mountain Reporter.
Contact:  http://www.sandmountainreporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1713
Author: George Jones

STATEWIDE METH HOTLINE ESTABLISHED

On Nov. 1, WAFF 48 News Anchor Lee Marshall's Kids to Love Foundation 
launched a statewide methamphetamine tip line.

According to a press release, in 48 hours, the call center received 
25 tips. Twenty of the 25 reported children in situations involving 
dangerous meth labs.

"For a child who lives in a meth lab, their home is a toxic 
playground," Marshall said.

In an effort to respond to the meth crisis, while rescuing the 
innocent children, a statewide toll free anonymous tip line has been 
launched encouraging everyone, if you see meth, you can stop meth.

Marshall said, "Meth is a drug that's paralyzing our community. So 
many times people turn a blind eye to the warning signs.

"But now, your knowledge is needed in the war on meth for the children's sake!"

Marshall added, "Meth hurts children, destroys families and cripples 
communities. It's our responsibility to be alert, be informed and be 
active in stopping meth in our community."

"The children in our community are our responsibility, and if a 
parent is not taking that responsibility that does not make our 
efforts any less, we must feel a responsibility to take care of the 
kids," said Cathy Anderson, with Wood Anderson Ford.

"We took 21 children last year. This year we're already up to 18 
children and we have a couple of more months to go, we have 141 kids 
in foster care around 65 percent of the 141 are involved with meth in 
some way," said Chuck Phillips, with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.

"A little bit of knowledge and a little bit of effort, it doesn't 
take much to pick up a phone, to do it anonymously," said Marshall 
County District Attorney Steve Marshall.

The Kids to Love Foundation, Woody Anderson Ford and Lamar Outdoor 
Advertising sponsor the tip line. All are committed to the war on 
meth on behalf of the children.

Anderson and Lamar are sponsoring the Tip Line for the first six months.

Lee hopes to receive additional assistance from businesses in the 
communities to help keep the Tip Line alive.

Call 1-866-303-METH today.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman