SILVER LAKE – The Meth Awareness Partnership is planning its second workshop in 2012 for Kosciusko County Tuesday starting at 6:30 p.m.
The event will be held at the Silver Lake Lions Club on the corner of Harrison and Walnut streets, Silver Lake.
The MAP organization has been sponsoring local methamphetamine workshops since 2010. The goal has been to educate the public on the devastating effects meth use and addiction has had on the community.
The workshop next week will be the first one held in the southern part of the county.
MAP encourages parents, pre-teens, teenagers, business and school professionals, law enforcement, legal and medical professionals, local retailers and others to join them for a very informative session.
Presenters include law enforcement, treatment and recovery professionals and former meth addicts who will explain the impact of meth use and production in the county. The event will include a meth lab display and handout materials for individuals and neighborhoods. A large portion of the program is devoted to questions and comments from the crowd.
Ryan Yarian will serve as the master of ceremonies. Yarian is a former meth cook who had lost everything in his life because of meth. His life has now been turned around and he survives as a rare success story in the meth addiction world.
“We have found at past workshops, some of the best discussion topics have been generated from the crowd, people whose lives have been touched by meth in some negative way,” said Mary Gerard, one of MAP’s organizers. “The intent is to educate and spread awareness, but there have been some heartfelt moments when a former user or a parent of a meth addict shares their experiences. The problem is pervasive across our county and we want to be sure those who don’t realize that are prepared and well-informed so they can recognize the signs.”
Attendees from areas outside of Silver Lake are reminded that Ind. 15 is currently closed near Claypool and alternate routes must be planned.
The MAP organization may be reached by calling Jeff “Hoss” Smith at 574-268-8688, or town marshal Craig Hollopeter at the Silver Lake Police Department at 260-352-3333. Those interested may also visit www.killingacommunity.com
