The National Institute on Drug Abuse has reported methamphetamine as the fastest growing drug threat in America. In Arizona methamphetamine is inexpensive and readily available, thereby contributing to a host of environmental, economic and social problems. Methamphetamine affects many arenas including, but not limited to child welfare, law enforcement, corrections, education, health, the judicial and criminal justice systems, as well as business and local communities. In an effort to combat the broad spectrum of effects suffered by families and communities, our law enforcement, prevention, addiction, and treatment resources are being strained to address the magnitude of this problem. 

Arizona is taking a proactive approach to mobilizing county, tribal, and state efforts through two major initiatives. The first is a multi-phased initiative funded by the Arizona Parents Commission on Drug Education and Prevention which provides funding to twenty-two county and tribal anti-meth coalitions to support the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies utilizing a data driven community needs assessment process to address the impact of methamphetamine in their local communities. 

Phase I funding was used to support the development of coalitions (existing or new), to organize their coalition and to develop a community needs assessment.  During this phase, technical assistance was provided by the State.

Phase II funding will be provided to support implementation of community based environmental prevention strategies.

On a statewide level, Governor Janet Napolitano has formed a Methamphetamine Task Force with the objective of developing a balanced and coordinated effort to mobilize state, local and private sector resources to enhance prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts on this issue.

The task force will develop a multi-year plan for how resources in state and local government can be allocated, coordinated and integrated to enhance prevention efforts, treatment services, and law enforcement activities related to the reduction of Methamphetamine use, production and distribution in Arizona.

In addition to the development of a statewide strategic plan, the task force works to empower local communities by creating a statewide coalition network that will maintain continuous communication between anti-meth coalitions funded through the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families and stakeholders at the state and local level.

It is our hope that by coordinating planning efforts at the state level, we will encourage a coordinated effort by various other state and local agencies providing services to those, institutions, communities, families and individuals impacted by the use, production, and sales of methamphetamines in Arizona.

Briana Kreibich
602-542-3455
bkreibich@az.gov