Pubdate: Fri, 18 Nov 2005
Source: Herald-Dispatch, The (Huntington, WV)
Copyright: 2005 The Herald-Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.hdonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1454
Author: Sarah Zopfi, The Herald-Dispatch
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

STUDENTS LEARN OF METH DANGERS

ONA -- Maggie Bailey's eyes welled with tears as she listened to one
of the many stories about the destructive power of
methamphetamines.

Bailey joined about 90 Cabell Midland High School students to hear a
presentation from Bill O' Dell on meth and how it affects the body.

Bailey sat wide-eyed as O'Dell told the story of a young police
officer who after busting a meth lab went home to his family.

"So, the officer went home and held his newborn baby," O' Dell said.
"By the next morning, the baby was dead from breathing in fumes off
his father's police suit."

O' Dell, a community development specialist, said it takes powerful
stories to keep young adults from trying meth.

"I hope this knowledge makes them stop and think," O' Dell said. "They
need a better understanding of how serious this can be."

Bailey said she couldn't believe such a horrific thing could happen
from using meth.

The presentation, which lasted about 30 minutes, touched on several
topics including the making of meth and signs of meth use.

Junior Roger Hollis has first-hand experience with the wicked nature
of meth. He said his relative has been arrested for cooking meth.

"I just didn't know it was so easy to get," Hollis said. "I want to
tell my relative what this drug can do to a person. I will never touch
it."

O' Dell's presentation was emotional with detailed pictures of burnt
meth lab victims and young children. He explained how the switch of a
light bulb could ignite a meth lab.

"These kids have heard about other drugs," O' Dell said. "At every
high school I have been at, I hear about someone's family who is
touched by this." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake