Pubdate: Fri, 30 Jun 2006
Source: Reno Gazette-Journal (NV)
Copyright: 2006 Reno Gazette-Journal
Contact: http://www.rgj.com/helpdesk/news/letter-to-editor.php
Website: http://www.rgj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/363
Author:  Jaclyn O'Malley
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

ANTI-METH COALITION TO RECEIVE FUNDING

Carson City's new anti-methamphetamine coalition is slated to receive 
federal funding for the battle against methamphetamine, U.S. Rep. Jim 
Gibbons, R-Reno, said Thursday.

"This is a great day for Nevada," said Gibbons, a candidate for 
governor. " ... I'm excited we are finally attacking the meth 
epidemic from all aspects."

The amount will be determined later by a conference committee. 
Gibbons said he also will seek money for the Washoe County Meth 
Community Response Alliance and other counties.

Gibbons said the Carson City coalition is a model not only for the 
state but the nation.

"They are a powerful team and a great tool in the fight against 
meth," Gibbons said.

The Partnership Carson City Anti-Meth Coalition had received $200,000 
from the city, said City Manager Linda Ritter, a coalition member.

Members of the coalition include the mayor, sheriff, school 
superintendant, district attorney, police and treatment and education 
representatives.

Ritter said the money could be used for police drug dogs, law 
enforcement training, treatment and counseling and keeping data on 
their efforts. The money will be used for law enforcement, community 
awareness, education/prevention, public policy and 
treatment/rehabilitation task forces.

Officials with the Washoe County Community Meth Response Alliance 
said the funding announcement will motivate them to look for funding 
resources outside the community, as well as gives them hope they too 
could receive funding to expand its efforts.

"Hats off to Carson City for their energy and setting the tone for 
the rest of the state," said Kevin Quint, executive director of Join 
Together Northern Nevada and heads the Washoe County anti-meth 
coalition. "I hope we have similar success."

The Washoe County group does not receive federal or state funds, 
although small grants are used for some initiatives. The group has 
held community meetings and is working on a media campaign.

In January 2005, Carson City officials rated meth use and 
distribution as the community's top priority and committed $10,000 to 
implement the coalition.

"Prevent meth use. Change lives" bumper stickers adorn police, city 
and school vehicles. Hundreds have attended community meetings and 
used a hotline to report meth crimes and one to find treatment.

A team of seven officers was created in November to focus on meth 
street dealers and crime. Authorities say several arrests have 
resulted from the tip line.

Between April 2004 and April 2006, two of three defendants in Carson 
City courts who tested positive for drug use had meth in their systems.

In March, Carson City Mayor Marv Teixeira lobbied in Washington, 
D.C., for $350,000, so the coalition can continue in 2007. The 
coalition is partners with Carson City High School, which has been 
active in teen awareness campaigns.

"We have these task forces and know what we want to do, but there was 
no funding," Ritter said. "We knew we had to do something here 
because we saw meth's affects in our jails and our children."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman