News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2006
Contact: Casey McEnry
Number: 415-436-7994

National Methamphetamine Awareness Day Events Represent
Largest Single-Day Educational Effort on the Dangers of “Meth”

NOV 29 -- SAN FRANCISCO — On Thursday, November 30, the Department of Justice, along with federal, state and local officials and leaders, will sponsor the first National Methamphetamine Awareness Day, the largest single nationwide education effort to date warning against the dangers of using meth. On Nov. 27, President George W. Bush issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 30, 2006 to be National Methamphetamine Awareness Day as part of a nationwide effort to further educate the American public about the effects of methamphetamine abuse on American families and communities. Education and public outreach are at the heart of the national drug control strategy, and National Methamphetamine Awareness Day will play an important role in highlighting nationwide efforts to increase awareness and decrease demand of this highly addictive and dangerous drug.

As part of National Methamphetamine Awareness Day, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) San Francisco and the United States Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of California will host a presentation to approximately 50 students at the School Of The Arts, located at 555 Portola Drive, San Francisco. The presentation will educate the students on the dangers of methamphetamine use and give them the necessary tools to make productive life choices.

“ Methamphetamine is highly addictive and destructive, and while its appearance at times can look crystal clear, there is only one thing clear about the drug…..its effects. Today is an opportunity to educate our bay area communities about the full impact of this dangerous drug,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Pena.

National Methamphetamine Awareness Day is a coordinated effort not only to reach potential meth users with a message of prevention, but also to educate current users about the programs available to them. In order to increase the impact of this message, the Department has partnered with a number of federal, state and local governments, as well as with private sector and non-profit entities, including the U.S. Department of Labor; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Interior; Office of National Drug Control Policy; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Partnership for a Drug-Free America; Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America; Fraternal Order of Police; National District Attorneys Association; National Association of Attorneys General; National Sheriffs’ Association; International Association of Chiefs of Police; National Organization for Victims Assistance; Inter-Association Task Force on Alcohol and Other Substance Abuse Issues; American Council on Education; National Association of Student Personnel Administrators; American College Health Association; Association of Fraternity Advisors; and the National Panhellenic Conference.

As part of our ongoing effort to combat meth use, the Department of Justice created a model methamphetamine educational presentation that is available to the public to be used by law enforcement, community groups and local leaders in addressing meth use in their communities.

Additional events led by state and local officials and community leaders will also take place around the nation. For information about these events, please contact the Department of Justice Office of Intergovernmental and Public Liaison at 202-514-3465.

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