‘Choose Life over METH’ Campaign Launched in Garrett County

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
 
The Garrett County Health Department recently launched a new initiative addressing the prevention of methamphetamine use. A Community Planning Groups (CPG) training held on August 30, 2021, at Herrington Manor State Park kicked off the campaign. CPG members from Oakland, Crellin, Accident, Friendsville, and Kitzmiller attended the event and received training they will be able to use in their communities.  

The CPG training included a methamphetamine presentation given by the Behavioral Health Unit of the Garrett County Health Department. The presentation addressed the physical, mental, and social changes caused with meth use. Resources on how to access help, and what to look for with meth use were also discussed.

“Methamphetamine use in Garrett County is an important issue to address,” said Kendra McLaughlin, Director of Health Education and Outreach at the Health Department. “Our goal with this campaign is to educate about the issue and engage the community in our prevention efforts.”

The CPGs will be implementing activities in their community in September. During these events, they will educate members of their community on ways to decrease meth use. While the grant is designed to prevent underage use of methamphetamines, all ages will benefit from the education.

We are calling the campaign ‘Choose LIFE over METH,’ and ask everyone to watch and listen for upcoming billboards, radio ads, and other messages from our Methamphetamine prevention campaign,” said Lori Peck, campaign coordinator.

“If you, or someone you know, has any type of substance abuse issues, including methamphetamine, contact the Garrett County Health Department for assistance.”

For treatment services, call 301-334-7670. For methamphetamine prevention services, call Lori Peck at 301-334-7730.

Funding for the methamphetamine prevention strategies are provided through a recently awarded
five-year grant, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) grant, provided by the Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC.