Press Release
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, September 13, 2007 |
Contact: Luke Merkel, Fleishman-Hillard, (202) 828-8875 |
DRUG CZAR LAUNCHES ANTI-METH CAMPAIGN
IN WASHINGTON STATE
Effort Provides Message of Hope to Communities Fighting Meth
| ||||||||||||
(Seattle, WA)—The White House National Drug Control Policy Director, John Walters, today unveiled a new anti-methamphetamine (meth) effort launched in Washington and seven other States where meth prevalence and treatment admissions rates are high. Director Walters was joined by U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert (WA-08).
“We've made a lot of progress in the fight against meth in recent years and the work of dedicated people in this State has been a large part of that progress,” said Walters. “This campaign builds on that progress by increasing awareness about the consequences of meth and linking communities and individuals to resources that can help.”
The Anti-Meth Campaign, coordinated through the ONDCP's National Youth Anti-Drug Campaign, includes advertising and public education outreach to raise awareness about the dangers of meth and provide information about availability of meth treatment. In addition to television and radio advertising that will run through March 2008 in Washington and seven other States (Alaska, California, Oregon, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky), the campaign includes print advertising in these and six additional States (Minnesota, Wyoming, Alabama, Utah, Nebraska, and Ohio), as well as national news media outreach and online resources. The main target audience for the Campaign is young adults, ages 18 to 34.
“As co-chair of the House Meth Caucus, I have seen first-hand the devastating impact of meth addiction on families, schools, and communities in Washington State,” said U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine. “Local communities have been leading the fight against meth, and the federal government is working to match their urgency and commitment. Working together, we can stop kids from doing meth the first time so they don't become addicts. And we can help meth addicts get the treatment they need to turn their lives around. This campaign delivers a message of hope: help is available and, although it won't be easy, you can beat meth.”
“Five years ago, I organized and hosted the first Washington State Meth Summit which brought local officials together to commit to eradicating meth from our communities,” said U.S. Representative Dave Reichert, former Sheriff of King County Washington.
“We formed meth action teams that are still in place today, who continue to fight the effects of meth on crime, the environment, and public health. I'm proud of the progress
our state has made since that summit. This campaign bolsters the efforts of Washington State . The long-term effects of this drug shown through this campaign are not only harmful to the user, but to all of those around them. It's imperative that we fight against it, and I'm pleased that Washington State will take part in this effort.”
According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly six percent of Americans age 12 and older have tried methamphetamine at least once in their lifetimes. In 2006, there were an estimated 731,000 current users of methamphetamine aged 12 or older. The Anti-Meth Campaign is directed toward 18- to 34-year-olds, whose meth use tends to be higher and who are often key influencers of teens.
Seattle residents are featured in the Campaign's photography exhibit titled, “Life After Meth.” The photo exhibit features testimonials of former users, treatment providers, and law enforcement officials, addressing the consequences of meth and their successful struggles to beat it.
“This exhibit is a critical part of our larger effort because it highlights the stories of real people affected by this horrible drug. Real people who, with the help of treatment providers, family members, and their own determination, have come through their addiction and gotten their lives back,” said Walters. “Their message to meth users, their families, and communities is that life after meth is possible and help is available.”
The television advertisements were donated to ONDCP by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, The Meth Project (“Montana Meth”), and the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.
Meth is an addictive stimulant drug that can be taken orally, injected, snorted, or smoked. Often called "speed" or "ice," meth is available as a crystal-like powdered substance or in large rock-like chunks. Meth users are prone to violence and neglectful behavior that can affect their children and neighbors. The chemicals used in meth production are flammable and highly toxic, posing a threat to both the environment and residents.
For more information on the Anti-Meth Campaign and to view advertising and other resources, visit www.methresources.gov.
Since its inception in 1998, the ONDCP's National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign has conducted outreach to millions of parents, teens, and communities to prevent and reduce teen drug use. Counting on an unprecedented blend of public and private partnerships, non-profit community service organizations, volunteerism, and youth-to-youth communications, the Campaign is designed to reach Americans of diverse backgrounds with effective anti-drug messages.
