| Press Release |
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| Oct. 2, 2009 |
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Governor receives closing report from Meth Task Force
Report highlights successful efforts to reduce meth labs in Oregon and sites work that needs to continue with Governor’s Alcohol and Drug Commission
(Salem) – Today Governor Kulongoski received the closing report of the Governor's Meth Task Force which outlined the successful work that put Oregon on the cutting edge in the fight against meth and has led to a sharp decrease in crime.
"It’s no accident that Oregon's crime rate is down tremendously and there are 40 percent fewer drug arrests since 2005 following the implementation of the most aggressive pseudoephedrine restrictions in the nation," said Governor Kulongoski. "While meth is clearly still a problem facing our communities, this is an opportunity to acknowledge how far we have come in such a short time - which should give us confidence as we roll up our sleeves and continue to do the hard work ahead to address the numerous challenges presented by addiction in our state."
Created by the Governor in December of 2003, the task force carried out its mission of proposing and implementing strategies to address the epidemic of methamphetamine abuse and addiction that was impacting families, neighborhoods, and communities throughout Oregon. Under the leadership of retired Salem Police Chief Walt Myers, and Anna Peterson, both former Chairs, and current Chair Lincoln County District Attorney Rob Bovett, the panel broke down silos between a wide range of prevention, enforcement, and treatment professionals, and proposed innovative solutions guided by evidence-based drug control policy to addressing the meth problem in Oregon.
The work of this task force helped make Oregon a national model for collaboration and effective drug control strategies. The Governor looks forward to this same energy being channeled through the newly created Governor's Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission which will focus on improving Oregon's addiction prevention and treatment services.
For a copy of the final report, click here.
Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
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