More initiatives to fight the meth problem in the county are being launched by the Meth Awareness Partnership.
Information regarding its Neighborhood Meth Watch program will be distributed at the upcoming workshop "Meth: Killing A Community Part 2" at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 in Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw.
The Neighborhood Watch program includes informational meetings for interested neighborhoods and a meth resource kit for what to watch for and what to do if meth activity is suspected. Meth Watch signs are also available to post in neighborhoods.
"While citizens should not involve themselves in any activities that could put them at risk, they can serve as a great asset to law enforcement in helping to identify suspected homes and areas where illegal meth activity is taking place," said a member of the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force.
The workshop will include legislative updates on the progress in making pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient needed to produce meth, available by prescription only, as well as updates on the tracking system. Legislators and pharmaceutical professionals are being invited to attend and are strongly encouraged to join with the community at this event to address questions and voice concerns. Updated plans regarding progressive treatment and recovery programs will also be shared that evening.
"It is our hope that this next round of MAP activities will bring full circle the efforts of this community to show local and state government that we will continue to fight this problem," said MAP facilitator Jeffrey "Hoss" Smith. Smith, who has been helping to lead grassroots efforts in the county to solve the meth problem, continued, "We want to continue to raise awareness of this ugly problem in our county, and motivate our community and business members to get involved and stop it. We also highly encourage members of the surrounding communities in Elkhart, Noble and Marshall counties to attend."
Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies will be served during the event. An informational table with brochures will be available with the opportunity to sign up for the group's mailing list. For information, contact Smith at 574-268-8688.
The Meth Awareness Partnership is a collaborative effort between the Kosciusko Sheriff's Department, the United Way of Kosciusko County, The Serenity House Inc., the Bowen Center and the Addiction Recovery Center.
