Walker meth workshop focuses on public health (Minnesota)

Gail DeBoer, Staff writer
The Pilot-Independent

If you think the meth epidemic doesn't affect you because (choose one) ...
• you never have used and never will use illegal drugs;
• your kids would never use the stuff;
• you live in a rural area or small town away from big city evils;
• you're a senior citizen, so it's no longer your concern; or
• law enforcement and government officials are handling the problem;
... you might want to think again.

The facts are (choose all) ...
• You don't have to use meth to have it affect your life. If you pay taxes (state, federal, sales, etc.), you're paying to fight meth.
• Kids who "would never use the stuff" — are using the stuff.
• Meth addicts come in all ages and genders, and from all rungs of the socio-economic ladder.
• Meth abuse occurs in almost every small town and rural area in the state, including here.
• The problem is so huge, law enforcement and government need your help.

To address the public health and safety crisis that the meth epidemic has created and to better inform the public, WHA Community Education will hold a day-long workshop devoted to methamphetamine education April 3 at Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Walker.
To ensure that a cross-section of the community is represented, more than 100 "stakeholders" from Walker, Hackensack, Akeley, Onigum and the surrounding areas will be invited to attend the presentations and panel discussions.
It's not too early for stakeholder groups to choose a representative to attend the meth workshop.
Stakeholder groups can be
• faith communities (churches, religiously-oriented organizations)
• civic clubs
• local governments (township, county, Leech Lake Band)
• schools and other educational institutions
• health and dental care providers
• lake associations
• environmental groups
• senior citizens' clubs
• youth organizations
• chambers of commerce and other business organizations.

The afternoon session runs from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. After registration and lunch, Rick Moldenhauer of the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Jim Atkins, admissions director for the Hazelden Foundation, a Twin Cities drug treatment facility will give presentations.
Next are two panel discussions with opportunities for questions.
The first features Margie Ryan, Cass County Public Health nurse, who conducted a meth survey for the county; Leech Lake Tribal Council Chair George Goggleye; and John Sumption, director of Cass County Environmental Services Department.
The second panel features Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher; Leslie Bouchonville, director of the Pine River-Backus Family Center, and Sandy Munson, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School nurse.
District Court Judge John Smith and Probation Officer Reno Wells also will explain the new Cass County Wellness Court.
The afternoon session runs from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $15 charge per participant. Register by calling WHA Community Ed, 547-4360.
In the evening from 7 to 9 p.m., the community is invited to a free presentation by David Parnell, a nationally-known and widely-respected recovering meth addict. Parnell will give his unique and gripping story about the affects of meth on both the user and the family. Young people, parents and other concerned citizens are invited to attend.
In coming weeks, more details about the meth seminar will be announced.
To register or for questions, call WHA Community Ed at 547-4216 or 547-4360, or e-mail to larts@wha.k12.mn.us.
http://www.walkermn.com/placed/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=216229