Two drug programs coming

Methamphetamine is one of those things that knows no limits. There is no end to the destruction it wreaks on us all. Families are torn apart as this drug turns the user into someone who can no longer be trusted or counted on.

Children are removed from their homes. Environments are contaminated. Businesses struggle with employees who constantly miss work because of crashing from the drug or because they are experiencing the many health consequences of use.

Workers' Compensation claims rise as using employees injure themselves at work. Social service agencies strain under the growing burden of assisting those users who can not hold onto a job.

It is time we armed ourselves with knowledge.

Two events in January are designed to do just that.

First, on Jan. 9, 2007, several television stations will air "Crystal Darkness, Meth's Deadly Assault on Nevada's Youth." This half hour program starts at 7:30 pm and will be shown on Channels 2, 4, 5, 8, 11, 21, and 27. Make sure your family watches this historic program.

Then, on Jan. 25, 2007, The Partnership of Community Resources is hosting "Methamphetamine - Your Body, Your Brain" from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church. This evening will feature Dr. Melissa Piasecki from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. She will address specifically the medical aspects of methamphetamine abuse and the addiction process.

Don't miss these two opportunities to learn more about methamphetamine. The more you know, the more we can all fight back.

n Martie Washington is prevention coordinator at the Partnership of Community Resources.