Welcome to Skagit County

January 31st, 2006

METHAMPHETAMINE EPIDEMIC TAKING DEVASTATING TOLL IN SKAGIT COUNTY
Watch the video online here: (High Res) (Low Res) *requires Windows Media

The peril of our national methamphetamine (meth) epidemic is taking a devastating toll in Skagit County. The highly addictive toxic drug is destroying lives, increasing crime, child abuse, and malnutrition. "We are seeing the effects of meth everyday in Skagit County. From the Sheriff's office to the Health Department to Youth and Family Services, we are overwhelmed in dealing with this scourge," said Skagit County Commissioner Don Munks recently appointed to the National Association of Counties Meth Action Group.

In a recent effort to increase community awareness, Skagit County has produced a new video, "Skagit County's Meth Problem." Several Skagit County departments were involved in this production. "It's a wide-reaching problem that not only devastates the user, but causes an incredible burden on our entire community," said Skagit County Communications Director Dan Berentson. "The video outlines the concerns of our Sheriff, our judges, our social workers, our elected leaders, and our health care professionals."

The production of the video was led by Bonnie Kiilsholm, an intern from Western Washington State University working on her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. This fall, as part of her internship with Skagit County, she has performed a significant amount of research and interviews to create the content and message of "Skagit County's Meth Problem." The video was produced and edited by Skagit County Government Access Television Coordinator Rich Monroe and will be broadcast on Skagit 21 and used in presentations to local community groups. "Our goal in this project is to increase public awareness and educate the public of government's role in dealing with this important issue," said Kiilsholm.

Important community messages included in the video and Kiilsholm's research are:

Meth Use Causes Crime: Approximately 70 percent of prisoners booked into Skagit County Jail have some connection with meth. Identity theft, car prowls, and property crimes are the most common meth related crimes. DUI arrests involving meth are up statewide, according to the Washington State Attorney General's office.
Meth Use Causes Child Abuse and Neglect: According to Child Protective Services in Skagit County, more than half of all referrals are related to the parent or caregiver's use of meth. In the past year 75 children in Skagit County have been removed from their parent's care due to meth, overwhelming our community's ability to provide foster care.
Meth Labs Are Toxic and Extremely Dangerous: For each pound of meth, five or six pounds of toxic waste are produced. This waste is often dumped in public places endangering humans, animals and our environment. The "cooking" of meth leaves toxic residue making residents uninhabitable. The risk of fire and explosion is very high.
Meth Producers Are Flagrant Shoplifters: Retailers are constantly battling meth producers who aggressively shoplift meth ingredients including paint thinner, camp fuel, charcoal lighter, iodine, alcohol, road flares, lithium batteries, starting fluid, kitty litter, and drain cleaner.
Landlords Are At Risk: Landlords are at risk for cleanup costs. More than 80 percent of all meth lab busts take place on rental property and cause extensive damage.
Meth Labs Are Not the Only Source: While the number of detected meth labs in Skagit County has fallen, there is no reason to believe that accessibility to the drug has dropped. According to the Washington State Patrol, 75 percent of the meth consumed in Washington State is being supplied by foreign based drug trafficking organizations in Mexico.
Meth is Highly Addictive, Toxic and Available: Addicts suffer from memory loss, confusion, insominia, depression, paranoia and violent outbursts. They commit the majority of crime against property in Skagit County, and neglect and endanger their children at an alarming rate. Meth robs children of safe homes and loving parents.
Meth is Expensive for Skagit County Taxpayers: In addition to being expensive toindividual victims of crime, your tax dollars are being spent on law enforcement, prevention, education, fire fighters, medical care, health services, social services, lab clean up and toxic waste disposal and treatment providers.

More information is available on how to help fight meth abuse in Skagit County by checking out the meth links on the Skagit County web site at www.skagitcounty.net

Retailers can join "Meth Watch" to learn how to reduce theft and loss by calling Sergeant Mike Don at the Mount Vernon Police Department at 336-6271.

Drug Court and Meth Treatment: Call Skagit County Human Services at 336-9395.
Buying or renting to determine if the property has been used as a meth lab: Call Skagit County Public Health, Environmental Health Division at 336-9380.
Interested in becoming a foster parent? Call "Why Foster" at 1-800-5340.
If your community group is interested in viewing the "Skagit County's Meth Problem" video or scheduling a speaker, call Dan Berentson at 419-3461.