Pubdate: Tue, 24 Jan 2006
Source: Carlsbad Current-Argus (NM)
Copyright: 2006 Carlsbad Current-Argus
Contact:  http://www.currentargus.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2549
Cited: Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico 
http://www.drugpolicy.org/about/stateoffices/newmexico/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?214 (Drug Policy Alliance)

BINGAMAN SECURES ANTI-METH CAMPAIGN FUNDS

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman said he is pleased that
nearly a half a million dollars he secured will be used to help
educate New Mexico youth on the dangers of methamphetamine, according
to a press release issued Tuesday.

Bingaman secured $493,614 through a U.S. Department of Justice
appropriations bill for a state-wide, sustained education program to
address meth abuse among high school students. The program will be run
by the New Mexico Drug Policy Alliance, which is the co-chair of the
New Mexico Methamphetamine Task Force, along with the state's Drug
Czar.

The Drug Policy Alliance will use the funding to develop a statewide
anti-meth social marketing campaign designed for and by youth, under
the guidance of media experts, to air on television and radio stations
throughout New Mexico. Additionally, DPA will organize a statewide
conference of 500 educators, youth, parents, school counselors and
nurses to train them in effective prevention initiatives. The
conference will be followed by regional training sessions aimed at
assisting communities to prevent meth addiction.

"Meth is not only the No. 1 crime problem in many communities
throughout our state, it is also devastating families and ruining
lives," Bingaman said. "The funding I was able to secure will be used
in an aggressive anti-meth marketing campaign aimed at preventing
young people from ever using this terrible drug. I know it will be put
to good use."

"A comprehensive, holistic approach is the only way we can solve
meth-related problems in our communities. We need prevention,
treatment, public health, harm reduction and public safety
initiatives, working in collaboration. That's the only way to help our
young people stay safe and healthy," said Reena Szczepanski, Director
of Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico. "Senator Bingaman has been a
tremendous leader in bringing attention and resources to address meth
in New Mexico."

According to the New Mexico Department of Health research, between
2003 and 2005 there was a 31 percent increase in the number of New
Mexico high school students (grades 9-12) living in urban areas who
reported using meth.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice National Drug
Intelligence Center reports that the number of meth-related treatment
admissions more than doubled from 2000 to 2004.

The Department of Justice also reported that 75 percent of state and
local law enforcement agencies in the Southwest region report meth as
the greatest drug threat. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake