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Division of Health Receives Methamphetamine Awareness Training

Release Date: September 10, 2007
Methamphetamine use and production became a concern for Sussex County after the seizure of clandestine labs in 2005.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Stephen Gruchacz, Administrator
Department of Health and Human Services
973-579-0559 Ext. 1227

Sussex County Division of Health Receives Methamphetamine Awareness Training

(Newton, N.J., August 22, 2007) On Friday, August 17, 2007, employees of the Sussex County Division of Health received a Methamphetamine Awareness Training from Becky Carlson, Director of Prevention Services, for the Center for Prevention and Counseling. Public Health Nurses, Mosquito Control Inspectors, members of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program and Health Inspectors from the Sussex County Division of Health, as well as the Hopatcong Health Department learned about the dangers of methamphetamine use, production and the telltale signs of a clandestine laboratory. Methamphetamine use and production became a concern for Sussex County after the seizure of clandestine labs in 2005.

The drug is made easily in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients available at most supermarkets and hardware stores. The chemicals, fumes and residue associated with methamphetamine production are harmful to anyone who is exposed to them. These labs can be highly toxic and potentially explosive. Public health employees frequently respond to nuisance complaints that can involve the illegal dumping of garbage or suspicious odors. Recognizing the signs of a meth lab and of a meth user can help them get out of a potentially dangerous situation. At the end of the presentation, employees expressed they were “unaware of how easy it is to buy the products to make meth”, “the dangers to non-users” and “the dangers to children and the environment”.

The Division of Health will be assisting The Center distribute packets to area retailers with information regarding methamphetamine, why there is a concern and a list of products used to manufacture it.

“We thank the Center for Prevention and Counseling for providing our employees with this valuable training. The health of the county, as well as our staff, is our greatest concern,” stated Herbert Yardley, Health Officer/Director.

For more information on this training, please contact the Center for Prevention and Counseling at 973-383-4787.

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(Pictured above: Becky Carlson, Director of Prevention Services for the Center for Prevention and Counseling speaking to employees of the Division of Health about the dangers of methamphetamine labs)

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