The Meth Crisis in Central Oregon:
If You Live Here - You Have a Meth Problem!
The City Club of Central Oregon will host its next Forum “The Meth Crisis in Central Oregon: If You Live Here - You Have A Meth Problem! on Thursday, May 15, 2008. The Forum will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m.
The negative impact of illegal drug use and addiction in any community is staggering. In Central Oregon the news about methamphetamine and its impact in our region are scary. Our Central Oregon community is being targeted and the implications to our lifestyle, the safety of our neighborhoods and the safety of our children are being threatened. The flood of cases overburdens health care facilities, social service agencies, law enforcement and family welfare. The costs are high and climbing. What can citizens do, and how can the system change to begin to curb this threat?
Join the City Club to hear a panel of experts share their perspectives and answer questions about this important topic.
Preregister and pay online
Preregistration is required by May 12, 2008. Members and nonmembers are welcome to attend the Forum. The cost is $13.00 for members and $25.00 for nonmembers and includes lunch. Check-in begins at 11:15 a.m. at the Center for Health and Learning in St. Charles Medical Center. St. Charles is located at 2500 Neff Road, in Bend.
To Register: a) Prepay online by clicking on the link above or b) Using the “contact us” link on the web site to indicate attendance and payment at the door, or c) Phone the City Club at 541-633-7163 to register. Check or cash will be accepted at the door.
FORUM PANEL
Captain Marc Mills has an extensive career with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Department ranging from criminal detective to narcotics investigation to Supervisor of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (C.O.D.E.) team and member of the department’s SWAT team. His in-depth knowledge of illegal drug trafficking has been instrumental in the Department’s high rate of success in uncovering local meth manufacturing and distribution operations.
Karen Tamminga, Adult Clinical Supervisor at Deschutes County Mental Health, is a licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has worked for Deschutes County Mental Health for 20 years. She provides dual diagnosis treatment to clients dealing with both addiction and mental health problems. As a clinical supervisor for Adult Outpatient Services, she supervises clinical staff and interns.
Tuesday Johnson, Health Educator and Outreach worker for Deschutes County Health Department since late 2006, runs the Needle Exchange Program, performs HIV Counseling and Testing, Communicable Disease Education and Investigation, STD education for local middle and high school students as well sits on numerous community coalitions, including the Meth Action Coalition. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Public Health: Health Education and Health Promotion from Oregon State University in 2005.
Ken Hales, became Community Justice Director of Deschutes County in 2007 after nearly 12 years as director of juvenile justice and youth services programs in Kansas, Arkansas and Michigan. Ken developed master plans for juvenile justices systems in two states and a statewide community planning initiative. He received his MPA from the University of Kansas.
WEB SITES OF INTEREST
Meth Action Coalition:
Mission Statement: “To eliminate the use, sale and manufacturing of meth in Central Oregon in partnership with law enforcement, treatment and prevention professionals.”
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas
Mission Statement: "To improve the livability of Oregon and other states by substantially and measurably reducing drug-related crime, violence, and drug trafficking."
National Institute on Drug Abuse