Pubdate: Tue, 09 May 2006
Source: Southern Illinoisan (Carbondale, IL)
Copyright: 2006 Southern Illinoisan
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/1430
Website: http://www.TheSouthern.com/
Author: Ashley Wiehle
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

HOSPITAL DONATES $20,000 TO FIGHT METH

MARION - The war against methamphetamine devastation received a boost 
from a major ally on Monday afternoon.

Heartland Regional Medical Center presented $20,000 to the Williamson 
County Coalition Against Methamphetamine Abuse, a group created in 
2004 to bolster public awareness about the dangers of meth.

State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, said the donation would go a long 
way toward beginning to fight some of the crippling effects meth has 
had on his district.

"We're all soldiers in this war, and we're receiving a lot of 
ammunition today," Bradley said.

Although meth is a widely acknowledged destroyer of Southern 
Illinois, many don't realize that it crosses all demographic lines, 
Williamson County Sheriff Tom Cundiff said.

"Meth has transcended any boundaries," Cundiff said. "We've 
recognized this as a dreaded disease we're trying to stamp out."

Cundiff said Williamson County is looking into the possibility of 
implementing a drug court, similar to the one in Saline County.

For now, the Williamson County meth coalition is working with area 
entities to try and fight the epidemic before it spreads, said 
Michelle Hamilton, chairwoman of the coalition.

"Not only has Heartland made this contribution, they have encouraged 
us and provided staff," Hamilton said. "With help like this, we can 
continue to fight this epidemic that is taking away the lives and 
futures of our citizens and devastating our children and families."

Tim Schmidt, Heartland CEO, said the hospital has always considered 
itself a strong partner in the fight against meth.

"I can think of no greater threat to the youth of America, because 
methamphetamine is so addictive and so destructive," Schmidt said. 
"Heartland Regional Medical Center and all hospitals are strong 
proponents in eradicating meth."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman