SAMPSON COUNTY METHAMPHETAMINE
TASK FORCE
STRATEGIC PLAN
In an effort to combat the growing crisis of methamphetamine use and addiction in Sampson County , the Sampson County Methamphetamine Task Force has identified and developed a plan that includes four strategic initiatives. These initiatives are: (1.) Early Intervention, (2.) Public Awareness, (3.) Response Plan, and (4.) Training
Specific actions to be taken regarding these initiatives are as
indicated here:
Early Intervention efforts include using
the existing Eastpointe Mental Health call in number for referral
and treatment. The number is included on informational materials
and handouts involving public awareness. Support is being provided
for all current efforts being made by Eastpointe and both our county
and city school systems to prevent drug use by our youth.
This crucial initiative is undertaken to first prevent “ meth” use
and secondly to offer addicts an alternative before the eventual
involvement with law enforcement and the judicial system. Some
statistics indicate that early intervention is far less costly
than arrest and jail time. In fact intervention cost is reportedly
only one tenth of the cost of jail time.
Other targeted areas of early intervention are community coalitions,
faith based efforts, and community grants.
Public Awareness efforts include
working with the public school systems. A flyer sharing some tips
for recognizing “meth” use,
the existence of “meth” manufacturing labs and resulting
circumstances of use
is being distributed . The intent is to reach
a number of people quickly and effectively.
Flyers are distributed to businesses and all school systems in Sampson County.
They will include telephone numbers for help and information on training and public
awareness initiatives.
In addition, public service announcements are being
produced by local media. WCLN is currently running an excellent
public service announcement intended to promote awareness of the
dangers of both methamphetamine use and manufacturing.
Also, frequent articles are being published by The Sampson Independent.
The Response Plan primarily focuses
on children found in “ meth” labs
and sets forth protocols for the proper and safe care of those
children. An effective plan has been
developed, approved, and implemented by the Task Force.
Training Initiatives are being
completed annually to bring individuals up to date on this public
health hazard. Three specific trainings will be undertaken. This
involves four hour training courses for emergency responders,
two hour training programs for public and private sector employees
that find their jobs bring them into dangerous home environments
throughout our county, and training sessions offered for
persons interested in making presentations to civic groups, public
meetings, etc.
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