| Story Date: Friday, February 24, 2006 Meth Project commended State director notes accomplishments By Brooke Vermillion government@cournernews.com Members of the RIVER VALLEY METH PROJECT, a group designed to curb methamphetamine use, manufacturing and distribution, received a pat on the back from a state leader in substance abuse prevention for their efforts in the community. Joe Hill, director of alcohol and drug abuse prevention (ADAP) in the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services, came to the group's monthly meeting Wednesday. As he looked out at the leaders of the meth project, he said with a smile, "This is good stuff." He said because the local meth project is uniquely formed as a coalition -- including law enforcement, court personnel, treatment services, schools administrators, business/industry managers, child protective services, Realtors, and the media -- it had the potential to be a huge success. "This is what works -- bringing all the parties together under a common bond, making a unified effort, and blending your resources," Hill said with enthusiasm. "You are the people who will make a difference in meth treatment and prevention," he added as he commented on the reports he heard from the sub-committees. "You just don't see people doing this in the state of Arkansas." The committees, who all announced new developments within their area at the beginning of the meeting, have been working together since late 2004. Accomplishments announced included: n Receiving an $11,400 grant from Arkansas Tech University to fund a research survey two sociology classes are currently conducting to gauge the meth problem in Pope County (survey to be sent in mid-March, according to class professors); n The first hiring of a 5th Judicial District Drug Court graduate by a local industry; and n Continuing of education of parents and students in the school district and child care centers on the effects of meth. Hill, who represents the funding aspect of ADAP, said "We realize funding is limited, but the work you are doing would impress the people who give out the resources." He commended the members of the meth project by saying they were "on the right road," but later added, "You're not just on the right road, you are the road," encouraging the team to become a prototype for other cities and counties. Hill was invited to speak at the meeting by Bob Adkison, executive director of ARVAC. The Freedom House drug-treatment facility in Russellville is a branch of ARVAC and is funded through ADAP. Hill said ADAP also provides funding for Counseling Associates in Russellville. "There is a state waiting list," Hill said of the treatment providers, noting Freedom House is one of 13 in-patient services, and Counseling Associates is one of nine out-patient services. "The beds are full, and the lines are long. But don't give up and don't get weary. Instead, work more strategically." He said because of the severity specific to meth addiction, communities often believe the problem is beyond help or hope. However, he noted, "But you (the meth project) would prove them wrong with what you're doing." On the Net: www.rivervalleymethnews.com |