Posted on

Are you ready to Take a Stand Against Meth?

It’s time to “Take a Stand Against Meth,” which is why a free event will be held Wednesday, Dec. 11, to help do just that. Taking place from 6-8 p.m., at the Cornell High School, the happening is part of a Chippewa County campaign to address and end the methamphetamine crisis plaguing the state.

“It’s basically to get the community involved and have some good conversation,” said Rose Baier, Criminal Justice Collaborating Council coordinator.

Several years ago, the campaign had a first round of events called meth town hall, including one in Cornell, which was geared toward education of what meth is/does. This time around, the event is focusing on goals to combat meth use and about prevention of trying meth.

With the kick-off of the next round, a panel of those who have lived with the effects of meth will be on hand to share their stories, as well as Cornell Police Chief Brian Hurt, who will lend his opinion from the law enforcement perspective.

There will also be audience interaction, with small group discussion and a Hidden in Plain Sight mock “travel” kids bedroom. The bedroom is set up to educate parents, if a child is exhibiting questionable behaviors.

“It has a lot of items that parents might not necessarily, at first glance, think would be suspicious for kids to hide (drug) paraphernalia or other things in,” said Baier.

Included on the suspicious list, are light bulbs with openings, books that look and feel like real books, or a water bottle that has actual water in it, but with hidden compartments. The audience will be invited to take a look around the room and given cheat sheets on what they could spot.

The campaign has had three similar events in Bloomer, Stanley and Chippewa Falls, and since its inception, has received more than 100 volunteers who have signed up to help with the awareness/prevention mission.

“It’s been phenomenal, the outpouring of support,” said Baier.

Baier says the Cornell event is open to everyone, but that younger children may get bored during the session. However, packets of information will be sent home with those who attend, to share with others.

“The end result we want to get, is to educate the public still, the community,” said Baier. “And then to really get their input. We can’t do it alone.”

LATEST NEWS