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IDAHO METH PROJECT

NOVEMBER 2008

Idaho Meth Project Volunteer Program Reaches 600 Participants
Program Contributes More Than 5,500 Hours of Service and Delivers 300 Community Presentations

Methe Project Volunteers

Less than a year after the launch of the Idaho Meth Project, the organization's volunteer program has surpassed its 600th participant, logging in more than 5,500 hours of service to combat Meth abuse throughout the state, including:

More than 300 presentations to local schools, service organizations, and community groups educating people about the prevalence and dangers of Meth use in Idaho;
Eighteen creative fundraising events-including music festivals and fashion shows-organized by local volunteers ensure the sustainability of the Idaho Meth Project;
More than 20 adults and teens providing administrative and research support in the Idaho Meth Project office.

"When we first opened our doors, we knew we were taking on a huge problem. Meth addiction tears communities apart, but Idahoans are ready to take their towns and cities back," said Megan Ronk, executive director of the Idaho Meth Project. "Every single day I'm encouraged and thrilled to see people from every corner of the state joining together in the fight against Meth. We are incredibly grateful for the energy and commitment of all our volunteers who have embraced this important work. They keep us going."

The incredible growth of the volunteer program in Idaho has allowed the Idaho Meth Project to reach all regions of the state, allowing volunteers to do things like share personal stories about the effects of Meth, and host education meetings about Meth use and addiction.

"We are part of the movement against Meth here in Idaho," said Cyn Reneau, District 4 (Treasure Valley) volunteer chair. "Our volunteers know that they are making a difference in their communities and, as our numbers grow, across the entire state. When we talk with our friends and neighbors about Meth, we're putting prevention into action. We're helping to reduce first-time Meth use, and reversing the devastating drug trend in our state."

Additional help is always welcome at the Idaho Meth Project. Particular areas of need include District 2 (Latah, Clearwater, Nez Perce, Lewis, and Idaho counties); District 3 (Adams, Washington, Gem, Payette, Canyon and Owyhee counties); and District 6 (Butte, Bingham, Power, Oneida, Bannock, Franklin, Caribou, and Bear Lake counties).

If you are interested in volunteering or for more information, please contact the Idaho Meth Project at 1-888-331-2060, or visit the Idaho Meth Project Web site at www.idahomethproject.org.

Idaho Meth Project Participates in First Annual National Summit on Methamphetamine

On November 16-19, 2008, representatives from the Idaho Meth Project including Board of Directors President Debbie Field and Executive Director Megan Ronk, were honored to participate in the first ever national summit on methamphetamine.

The goals of "Methamphetamine: The National Summit to Promote Public Health, Partnerships, and Safety for Critically Affected Populations" were as follows:

Promote the development of national strategies that participants can use to strengthen and expand existing efforts back home;
Forge collaborations across federal, state, local and tribal government agencies and with community partners, and establish a mechanism for the creation of collaborative plans with all federal agencies;
Identify culturally appropriate and relevant products that reflect promising areas of research and evidence-based practices in prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery management in order to assist communities in their response to Meth.

The 13-member team from Idaho joined action teams from 19 other states to share best practices and lessons learned. We hope this conference served as an opportunity to urge our federal partners to enhance funding opportunities for Meth prevention program like the Idaho Meth Project.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Miguel Mouw

This month the Idaho Meth Project would like to recognize Miguel Mouw as volunteer of the month. Since starting as a volunteer this spring, Miguel has worked at numerous booths and spent considerable time during days, evenings, and weekends sharing his story with Idahoans. Miguel's passion is to educate others about the dangers of methamphetamine.

Most recently, Miguel traveled to Emmett to join gold medalist Kristin Armstrong in a joint presentation to the schools in Emmett. The kids and teachers had a great connection as a result of the personal experiences Miguel shared so openly.

Miguel is an amazing speaker with a heart for others. We are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with him. Thank you, Miguel, for your hard work and dedication to the Idaho Meth Project and the "Not Even Once" message!

Real Stories

Age: 16
Gender: Male
Location: Idaho

My mother started using meth when I was 14. My father and I found out when I was 16. My father made so many attempts to stop her, they only ended in failure. She would stay out all night, come home not being herself. We'd always end up being broke every month, and have no food. She's gone into rages with my dad, even attempted to shoot him. She's called me every name in the book and has screamed all dirty words you can think of to me. My dad eventually moved me out and left her. She is a full addict now, using it every day. She's lost all her friends from stealing and she's turned her back on me. She has needle marks on her arms now & looks 20 years older than she is. I wish she could be normal again, but that's an impossible dream. I miss her.

To read other real stories visit:

http://www.idahomethproject.org/Meth_Info/real_stories.php

"Givin' Meth the Boot" Event in Idaho Falls Raises Over $140,000

The Idaho Meth Project raised over $140,000 at its first Givin' Meth the Boot event held October 27 in Idaho Falls. Lady Antebellum, recently voted as Best New Artist of the Year at the 2008 Country Music Awards, performed for a sold-out crowd of nearly 1,000 attendees at the Colonial Theater. All the funds raised will help further the groundbreaking work of the Idaho Meth Project.

Countless citizens and corporations in Eastern Idaho contributed their time and financial support to organize this event, including Kathy Simpson, wife of U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson; Mountain View Hospital, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Melaleuca, Pacific Steel & Recycling, J.R. Simplot Corporation, Premier Technology, Monsanto, CH2M-WG Idaho, Bank of Idaho, The Hartwell Corporation, Idaho National Laboratory, Nobis Travel and the City of Idaho Falls. Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter and First Lady Lori Otter also participated in the event to show their support for the project.

"Givin' Meth the Boot was one of the Idaho Meth Project's most successful efforts since the project launched in January 2008, and we couldn't have done it without each and every one our sponsors and supporters in Eastern Idaho," said Megan Ronk, executive director of the Idaho Meth Project. "We are incredibly grateful for the community's generosity and support to help in the fight against Meth in Idaho."

Based upon the overwhelming success of the event, the Idaho Meth Project plans on organizing the second annual Givin' Meth the Boot in Idaho Falls in the fall of 2009.

Thank You to Our Major Sponsors

CONTACT INFORMATIONS

Please feel free to contact us with comments, questions, and suggestions. We appreciate your feedback!

Phone:

1-888-331-2060 (toll free)

Email:

[email protected]

Physical Address:

304 N. 8th St., Room 446

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