Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico will create a statewide education program to address methamphetamine abuse among high school students, using a nearly $500,000 grant obtained by U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) through a Department of Justice appropriations bill.
 
The program will include a methamphetamine prevention campaign designed by and for youth, which will be broadcast on television and radio stations throughout New Mexico. "We know from experience that young people ignore overly simplistic messages about the risks of drug use," said Reena Szczepanski, director of DPA New Mexico. "The strength of this campaign will be its focus on credible, science-based information rather than ineffective scare tactics." 
 
DPA will also organize a statewide conference of 500 educators, youth, parents, school counselors and nurses to train them in effective prevention strategies. The conference will be followed by regional training sessions throughout New Mexico aimed at assisting communities to prevent methamphetamine addiction.
 
"A comprehensive, holistic approach is the only way we can solve meth-related problems in our communities.  We need prevention, treatment, public health, harm reduction, and public safety initiatives, working in collaboration," said Szczepanski.
 
DPA New Mexico is co-chair of the state's Methamphetamine Task Force, which has worked since 2005 to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing the impact of methamphetamine on communities.