By Brooke Tidwell, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug creating a serious impact on communities and families nationwide. Nearly 400,000 Americans are believed to be addicted to meth.
In an effort to reduce meth abuse within the Chickasaw Nation boundaries, the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics have developed an anti-meth initiative known as “Be a winner, Stand your ground.”
“Meth abuse has become an increasing concern among rural and urban communities,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. “Through this partnership, we hope to create a positive impact in these communities and encourage individuals to join the fight against meth.”
The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics are conducting community meetings and school assemblies to spread the word about the dangers of meth.
Lighthorse Police Chief Jason O’Neal said that the goals of the initiative include encouraging students to resist use of the dangerous drug and report its abuse.
According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, meth remains the principal drug of concern in the state of Oklahoma. Over the past several years, there has been an increase in the amount of crystal meth use in Oklahoma. Approximately 5.5 percent of Oklahoma high school students surveyed in 2007 used meth at least once in their lifetime.
The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics encourage individuals to join the fight and stand their ground by calling the anti-meth hotline at 866-928-7384 to report meth abuse.
For more information about the anti-meth initiative, contact Tammy with the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department at (580) 436-7213.
