To reduce the meth problem: Attack it from all angles
Editor’s note: This article is the third in a short series regarding methamphetamine and the serious problem of meth abuse in Crawford County.
By Correne Martin
As the Courier Press focuses on bringing attention to the severity of the prevalence of methamphetamine use in Crawford County, the newspaper continues to publish frequent reports of arrests and charges of abusers. Coincidentally, the June 27 issue included the second story in this series, right alongside an article about five Prairie du Chien residents busted with meth, as well as heroin and psilocybin mushrooms.
This latest instance of a search warrant leading to arrests is an example of Crawford County law enforcement’s continued battle against the problem. The county judicial system will now decide how to handle this case as it considers other meth cases, which have become all too familiar.
Though efforts to bring a treatment court to the county were stifled in 2013, when a $68,300 grant from the Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) program was denied, local legislators say there’s hope that grant dollars can still be obtained. They say there are also other ways that growing narcotics abuse can be curbed statewide.
“This is not unique to Crawford County. Drug abuse is a growing concern across the state,” Sen. Jennifer Shilling said. “It’s meth, heroin, prescription drugs, opium, etc. The state needs to do a better job of focusing on TAD efforts. We need to attack the problem from all angles.”
According to a representative for Assemblyman Lee Nerison, Sandra Smith-Loomans, Crawford County’s application for 2013 grant funds was among a largely competitive pool.
Since 2014, the TAD program expanded twice by $3 million total—from $1,038,900 to $4,038,900—of which $500,000 in 2014 was specific to new drug court programs, according to Johnny Koremenos, Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) public affairs director. Through 2015 WI Act 388, the TAD appropriation increased by an additional $2 million, he said.
Though Crawford County did not apply the past two years, Judge James Czajkowski has encouraged Judge-Elect Lynn Rider to make another effort.
Smith-Loomans indicated that odds for securing the funds are increased since the pool of applicants is decreasing. “Grants are out this year and applications are due July 19,” she said. “Hopefully, Crawford County will apply again.”
Currently, there are 74 treatment courts in Wisconsin (including those for drugs, alcohol, veterans, mental health, etc.), Koremenos noted.
The potential of bringing a treatment court to the county is a concept both Sen. Shilling and Rep. Nerison support. Both have said they would write letters of support for grants being awarded to Crawford County.
“Rates of recidivism are down with treatment courts; they’re a proven alternative,” Shilling stated.
The senator also pointed out that state law has changed for good Samaritans’ witnessing narcotics usage. “They can call for help and they have immunity (from any implications),” she said.
Furthermore, governmental efforts have targeted laws for drug endangerment of children. “Right now, we have child abuse and child neglect charges, but the statutes don’t allow for district attorneys to charge for endangering a child,” Shilling added.
The DOJ also attempts to educate and make the public more aware of narcotics issues via increased public service announcements.
An additional effort that Shilling believes is important in helping people, to either never start using or to recover, is to make sure the state has outstanding opportunities for worker training and soft skills training (anger management, personal hygiene, job interview competence, etc.)
In the end, an important question remains. Is there a solution to the meth problem? Local and state authorities can’t assure that, but they know it’s happening and they are providing a combination of funding, program support, awareness and education. Perhaps these efforts will reduce the tribulation.
Correction to the previous article in this series: TAD grant funds denied to Crawford County in 2013 did not go to Milwaukee County, because that county was not eligible in that grant period. According to Rep. Nerison’s staff, the grant pool was just significantly competitive that year.
