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In
1997, Darcy Jensen, a drug prevention and
treatment counselor in Sioux Falls, began to see Meth as the most
troubling drug for many of her clients. With the help of several other
concerned people, and the support and help of the South Dakota Department
of Human Services’ Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Darcy established a
Meth Task Force in Minnehaha County. The first year this diverse group of
community members focused on creating local awareness of the dangers of
this virtually unknown drug. Next, they began providing education on how
to actually impact its use and manufacturing.
In late
2000, Darcy Jensen met with Senator Tom Daschle to explain the devastating
effects caused by individuals using and manufacturing Meth and the strain
Meth puts on South Dakota’s infrastructure and economy. It was through the
efforts of Senator Daschle that Prairie View Prevention Services received
funding to expand Meth awareness and prevention efforts to other
communities of South Dakota. The grant secured by Senator Daschle is
handled through the U.S. Department of Justice COPS program and that
funding was awarded in June 2001. It was then that MAPP-SD
(Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Project of South Dakota) was
launched. The MAPP-SD program is currently the only project of its type
in the country, focusing on raising awareness, continuing education and
providing resources to aid in the battle against Meth. All across South
Dakota, a network of Methamphetamine Prevention Coordinators provide free
support, education and resources to local coalitions and community members
to help citizens, business and community leaders, law enforcement and
faith based organizations lead the charge against Meth in farmlands, small
towns and cities across the state.
MAPP-SD
also provides information for local law agencies, the medical community
and schools to help them recognize the signs of Meth manufacturing and
abuse and offers them the tools they need to enter the battle.
Meth affects everyone in our state – whether we
know a user, are exposed to the toxic residue from its manufacturing or
pay higher taxes to help cover the costs of illicit lab clean ups.
MAPP-SD encourages every South Dakotan to join in the fight against Meth.
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MAPP-SD Funding
MAPP-SD FAQ
Also:
MAPP-SD Resources
MAPP-SD Training Kits
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