Pubdate: Fri, 14 Nov 2008
Source: Native American Times (US)
Copyright: 2008 Native American Times
Contact: http://www.nativetimes.com/letterstotheeditorquestions.asp
Website: http://www.nativetimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3997
Author: Senator John Thune
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

RAISING METH AWARENESS WILL SAVE LIVES

South Dakota towns, both large and small, are great places to live,
to work, and to raise families. Like towns and cities everywhere,
however, there are  problems that endanger lives and can tear at the
fabric of our communities. South Dakota has a tragically high rate
of methamphetamine abuse, and I believe that we must take steps to
combat this crisis to ensure a better life for our children.

Meth is particularly dangerous because it can be easily made from
commonly found ingredients and it has a highly addictive, powerful,
lasting effect on users. Also, the production of meth produces large
quantities of toxic waste, which poses a danger to everyone in the 
community, not just users and manufacturers.

I have joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues in sponsoring a
resolution designating November as  "National Methamphetamine
Awareness Month." This resolution calls for parents, school
districts, local governments, and other interested parties to
increase  the awareness of meth abuse and its consequences among 
students through education and outreach.

Part of what makes meth abuse so tragic is the disproportionate usage
rate among minorities,  particularly Native Americans. Higher meth use
rates in Native American communities have been linked to higher 
death rates for young people, including higher suicide rates. This
situation clearly must be addressed, both  in schools and communities,
as well as through law enforcement.

According to the National Association of Counties, local sheriffs
across America report that meth abuse is directly contributing to
increased crime rates. The cost of law enforcement, both in combating
meth production and trafficking, and as a result of meth induced
crimes, is putting a strain on law enforcement agencies across South
Dakota and across the country.

Similarly, the cost of meth-related health care and social services
is increasing. Meth destroys families and forces children out of
homes. Meth abuse patients frequently end up in public emergency
rooms, which  increases costs and could potentially make it more 
difficult for other patients seeking urgent care.

There is no silver bullet solution for meth abuse in rural America.
Parents must emphasize with their children the importance of living a
drug-free life, and  schools must reinforce this message in the
classroom.  Furthermore, we must continue to give law enforcement 
officials at all levels of government the resources they need to shut
down meth production and trafficking.  Meth does not need to continue
to tear families and communities apart, but to stop it will require
all of  us to do our part.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin