Pubdate: Tue, 30 Oct 2001
Source: Bluefield Daily Telegraph (WV)
Copyright: 2001 Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Contact:  http://www.bdtonline.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1483
Author: Troy Sarver
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?186 (Oxycontin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

TOWN MEETING TARGETS NARCOTICS

RICHLANDS, Va. - Six months ago Shannon Smith was fighting a drug addiction 
that was creating an uncertain future for her. Today, however, the 
22-year-old Richlands native has recovered and is actively seeking a 
nursing degree. Smith's story is just one of many successes that have 
resulted from a combined effort of Tazewell County law enforcement and 
medical personnel over the past year. With Smith in attendance, these 
officials gathered for the third of a series of town meetings on Monday 
night at Richlands Middle School.

The town-meeting format, which was previously held in Tazewell and 
Bluefield, Va., was designed to answer the questions of concerned parents 
and citizens dealing with drug abuse at the local level.

"This started off with the OxyContin epidemic. That was the driving force 
behind this," said Jane Peay, Director of Substance Abuse for the 
Cumberland Mountain Community Services Board. She added, "this has evolved. 
A lot has helped especially law enforcement and additional treatment 
options coming into the area."

One of the individuals spearheading the law enforcement effort is Dennis 
Lee, Tazewell County Common-wealth's Attorney. Lee stated he's confident 
that the OxyContin epidemic is fading, but there is still the threat of new 
drugs hitting the area in the future.

"With OxyContin we've hopefully seen the worst of it. Through the efforts 
of law enforcement we're seeing a decrease, but it's persistent," stated 
Lee. "We want the community to be aware of the drugs we see on the 
horizons. Ecstasy and club drugs are in Richmond and could come this way."

Whatever direction the drug usage problem goes in the future, Smith hopes 
that people will not give up on those addicted.

"City officials sometimes look at them as criminals, but I look at them 
with compassion," said Smith.
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