For the City Times

PORTAGE COUNTY — Portage County Coalition for Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention joins organizations across the state to recognize Nov. 30 as Methamphetamine (Meth) Awareness Day.

Governor Scott Walker recently issued a proclamation in support of Meth Awareness Day, aimed at educating  Wisconsinites about the dangers and effects of meth use.

Marshfield Clinic Health System, Northwoods Coalition, and Alliance for Wisconsin Youth in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services encourage organizations and  individuals to take action on Meth Awareness Day. This day is an opportunity for everyone in Wisconsin to learn more about the dangers of meth use and addiction, and what actions can be taken to prevent it.

Meth is becoming more prevalent in Wisconsin and Meth Awareness Day allows the community to work together to help fight this growing epidemic. From 2011 to 2016, meth availability in Wisconsin increased 250% according to the 2016 Wisconsin Methamphetamine Study. To help increase awareness in Portage County, the Portage County Coalition for Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention is running a campaign that can be viewed at Roger’s Cinema.

Please stay tuned for other KNOW METH campaign initiatives in the future. You can participate in Meth Awareness Day by:

-Learning about the risks and getting the facts about meth by visiting knowmethwi.org
-Talking to your children, friends, and family members about the risks and dangers of meth use  Monitoring the use of pseudoephedrine (cold medicine) in your home
-Refusing to purchase pseudoephedrine for another person
-Reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement’s drug tip line: 1-800-622-3784
-Immediately contacting your local law enforcement agency if you come across suspected meth lab waste
-Reviewing KNOW METH resources and getting involved with the Portage County Coalition for Alcohol &
Drug Abuse Prevention by contacting Elizabeth Beck at becke@co.portage.wi.us or 715-345-5702.