River Valley Meth Project

Story Date: 10/17/2005 9:10:45 AM

River Valley Meth Project expanding through area

Next stop for action in
the war against meth:
Johnson County

By Janice Penix
education@couriernews.com
A group formed to combat the problems of methamphetamine use in Arkansas River Valley communities has found its way to Johnson County.
The River Valley Methamphetamine Project, a “think-tank” composed of numerous community organizations and community leaders focused on battling the epidemic of methamphetamine, has been active for more than a year in Pope County. A chapter for Johnson County met for the first time in early October.
The group consists of representatives from the health care profession, real estate, local schools, law enforcement agencies, businesses and industries.
David Gibbons, 5th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, told the group the River Valley Meth Project is about action. He said the group’s goal is to identify problems and to take action to resolve the problems related to the manufacturing, distribution and use of methamphetamine.
According to Gibbons, the manufacturing of meth by individual labs has declined as the result of a new law that classifies over-the-counter medications that contain pseudoephedrine or ephedrine as Schedule 5 Narcotics, meaning the drugs are no longer available on open shelves and individuals must sign a form to purchase the medications.
However, he said the use and distribution of methamphetamine continue to be problems.
The Johnson County group identified problems to address, including how to recognize methamphetamine distributors or users, the education needed for recognition, treatment available for drug users, confidential methods of reporting distribution or use of the drug, and correcting the perception that law enforcement agencies will not take action when notified of suspected drug activity.
The River Valley Methamphetamine Project meets once a month to discuss strategies. Members will break into different work groups ranging in categories from use to production to distribution.
Goals of the groups include reducing the use of methamphetamine, production and distribution. The Project also aims to increase awareness and to improve treatment.
The Johnson County group agreed to begin educational courses for interested groups such as school employees, realtors, health care professionals and business and industry personnel.
The group will meet again at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the Seay Student Center on the University of the Ozarks campus in Clarksville.
For more information on the River Valley Methamphetamine Project, call Gibbons at 968-8600. Johnson County residents may also obtain information by calling Johnson County Sheriff Wesley Kendrick at (479) 754-2200, Clarksville Police Chief Jimmy Ralph at (479) 754-8100, Lamar Police Chief Arron Arnold at (479) 885-0405 or Coal Hill Police Chief Scott Oswald at (479) 497-1893.