Hospital donates $20,000 to fight meth (Illinois)

by ashley wiehle, the southern

MARION - The war against methamphetamine devastation received a boost from a major ally on Monday afternoon.

Heartland Regional Medical Center presented $20,000 to the Williamson County Coalition Against Methamphetamine Abuse, a group created in 2004 to bolster public awareness about the dangers of meth.

State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, said the donation would go a long way toward beginning to fight some of the crippling effects meth has had on his district.

"We're all soldiers in this war, and we're receiving a lot of ammunition today," Bradley said.

Although meth is a widely acknowledged destroyer of Southern Illinois, many don't realize that it crosses all demographic lines, Williamson County Sheriff Tom Cundiff said.

"Meth has transcended any boundaries," Cundiff said. "We've recognized this as a dreaded disease we're trying to stamp out."

Cundiff said Williamson County is looking into the possibility of implementing a drug court, similar to the one in Saline County.

For now, the Williamson County meth coalition is working with area entities to try and fight the epidemic before it spreads, said Michelle Hamilton, chairwoman of the coalition.

"Not only has Heartland made this contribution, they have encouraged us and provided staff," Hamilton said. "With help like this, we can continue to fight this epidemic that is taking away the lives and futures of our citizens and devastating our children and families."

Tim Schmidt, Heartland CEO, said the hospital has always considered itself a strong partner in the fight against meth.

"I can think of no greater threat to the youth of America, because methamphetamine is so addictive and so destructive," Schmidt said. "Heartland Regional Medical Center and all hospitals are strong proponents in eradicating meth."

ashley.wiehle@thesouthern.com

(618) 997-3356 ext. 5807
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