GUAM takes aim at trying to stop meth

Some local professionals even say it's a problem of epidemic proportion.

The abused, easy-to-manufacturer drug is rampant in the rural areas of southern Indiana.

Methamphetamine continues to have a tremendous impact -- by overextending law enforcement officers in terms of hours spent on investigations, filling up the county jail, backlogging the judicial system and costing local taxpayers thousands and thousands of dollars every week.

A local grassroots organization continues in its efforts to get the word out about the perils of methamphetamine.

Greene United Against Meth (GUAM) has led the way in grassroots activism in southern Indiana in the battle against methamphetamine since 2003. Jan. 25-30 has been designated as Meth Awareness Week in Greene County.

The third annual Meth Awareness Candlelight Vigil will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Jan. 26 at Bloomfield First Baptist Church, located at 500 Lincoln Drive.

Included in the program is a musical performance by Linton-Stockton's Elementary School choir under the direction of Hope Ault, and a personal testimony about being in recovery, according to GUAM chairperson Nancy Cummings.

Cummings also reports that last year's winning entry to the county-wide calendar contest is this month's billboard.

"Lamar Outdoor Advertising has worked with us to provide two billboards in the county. One is located across from Ball-Spencer Photography coming east to Bloomfield. The other is located in the Linton area. We are very excited to be able to display this well-drawn artwork by one of Greene County's high school students," she added.

GUAM is also planning to offer a "meth basics" seminar for the community.

Two sessions will be offered -- one in the morning and another to accommodate attendees in the evening.

The morning seminar is scheduled from 9--11:30 a.m. on Jan. 28.

An evening seminar is scheduled from 6-8:30 a.m. on March 3.

Both seminars will be conducted at the Greene County Cooperative Extension Service's community building at the fairgrounds.

Pre-registration is preferred, but not required.

"Pre-registration simply helps us to be better prepared," Cummings stated.

"We are also pleased to offer, after several years' absence, a methamphetamine basics seminar for community professionals who work with families and children, those involved with on-site visitation or services, those people who work outdoors and may be exposed to meth residue, and the general public," Cummings said.

The free training will be a panel-formatted discussion and will cover basic meth information, legal issues, safety and health issues, family and social issues, law enforcement, and treatment options.

There will also be a presentation by an individual who will share their personal experiences with meth and there will be ample time for questions.

If you need further information or wish to register, please contact Cummings at 384-8769 and indicate which session you wish to attend. Leave a message (name, phone number, organization) or you can RSVP by e-mail at greenetobaccofree@sbcglobal.net .