Invitation to comment

This blog is for researchers, providers, users, community groups, policy makers, and others who are interested in reframing America's response to drug use using the approach exemplified by the 2nd National Conference. The conference is designed to be the "table" where the stakeholders and those most affected by methamphetamine can come together to create solutions that are based in science and compassion. We invite law enforcement and criminal justice professionals as well as treatment providers and harm reductionists because they all have a role to play, and by working together, we hope to reduce the harms associated with drug use and the harms associated with bad drug policy. We invite you to comment and send us news and information to post. Weclome to the table!

Monday, December 18, 2006

Huntsman makes tackling meth epidemic a top priority
Deseret Morning News, Friday, December 15, 2006
By Dennis Romboy

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and his wife have made friends with the people in their neighborhood, including some hooked on methamphetamine.

A residential treatment center called House of Hope is a couple of doors down from the Governor's Mansion on South Temple. Their neighbors are moms who are trying to fight meth addiction, said Mike Mower, the governor's spokesman.

The Huntsmans visited women in the house and Mary Kaye Huntsman had them over for a tea party.

"The governor realizes the insidious nature of meth use and its disproportionate use among young women, often young mothers," Mower said.

To turn that tide, Huntsman's proposed state budget includes $5.1 million a year (half from Medicaid) to place 600 more women in treatment programs, giving priority to those involved with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services.
read the rest...

No comments: