MethProject.

org

PROGRESS UPDATE.
NEW STATES ADOPT METH PROJECT
Following the Meth Project’s success in
Montana, several states have adopted the
program in an effort to reduce first-time
Meth use. The Arizona Meth Project,
which launched following Montana in April
2007, has shown significant progress and
recently released its second Arizona Meth
Use & Attitudes Survey, which measures
changes in attitudes and behaviors toward
methamphetamine.
This year, the Meth Project expanded
its programs, including the Idaho Meth
Project in January; the Illinois Meth Project,
targeting the Springfield, Decatur, and
Champaign regions, in February; and the
Wyoming Meth Project in June. Other states
will be launching later this year.
THE DANIELS FUND INVESTS TO
EXPAND THE METH PROJECT
The Daniels Fund provided generous
support to assist in the development of
the Wyoming Meth Project with a grant
awarded in February 2008 and is now
spearheading the effort to bring the project
to Colorado. Operating the Daniels Fund
Grants Program in Colorado, New Mexico,
Utah, and Wyoming, the Daniels Fund
was established in 1997 by Bill Daniels, a
pioneer in cable television known for his
kindness and generosity to those in need.
The Daniels Fund partners with
organizations that ensure youth and
adults with alcohol and substance abuse
challenges achieve stability by supporting
prevention, treatment, and after-care
services. The research-based Meth
prevention messaging campaign of the
Meth Project is well aligned with the Daniels
Fund’s effort to reach out, and work closely
with, communities, organizations, and
individuals to maximize impact.
Linda Childears, President and CEO of the
Daniels Fund, described their support for
the Meth Project. “In our initial meeting
with Tom Siebel, Founder and Chairman
of the Meth Project, it was clear that our
strategic focus and the Meth Project’s
delivery of a large scale Meth prevention
messaging campaign focused on teens
were well aligned.”

SUMMER ’08
“As a parent of two kids, I wanted to tell you
how much I appreciate the work you do.When
we see an ad on TV, or the billboards, it opens
an opportunity for a conversation about
drugs. We’ve had a lot of them, sometimes
THE METH PROJECT in depth and sometimes just about the ad.”
Progress Update 1 – Martha, Montana parent

Community Outreach and Federal Support 2

New Meth Project Advertising Campaign 3

ARIZONA METH PROJECT 4

PICKING FOR BUGS UNDER YOUR SKIN ISN’T NORMAL.
IDAHO METH PROJECT 6

ILLINOIS METH PROJECT 8

MONTANA METH PROJECT 10

LEAVING A FRIEND FOR DEAD
MethProject.org

WYOMING METH PROJECT 12

The Meth Project is an initiative of the Siebel Foundation © The Meth Project

1
 methproject.org

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND FEDERAL SUPPORT

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE HOSTS
METH PROJECT
Leaders of the Meth Project states, including
Idaho First Lady Lori Otter and Idaho Office of
Drug Policy Director Debbie Field, met with
their congressional delegations in March.
In September, Meth Project Founder Tom
Siebel was invited to testify before the Senate
Finance Committee. Siebel was invited to
brief the committee about the impact of the
Meth Project’s prevention campaign in the
state of Montana—where the Meth Project
implemented its first statewide program.
Committee members called on their
colleagues to address the national Meth
epidemic by expanding the Meth Project’s
prevention campaign to other states across
the country. Montana Senator Max Baucus,
Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee,
applauded the Project’s success in his state,
stating “the Meth Project has been extremely
effective in raising awareness about the
devastating impact of this drug. We have seen
remarkable changes in Montana as a result of
the Meth Project—fewer teens and adults are
using the drug and Meth-related crime is down
considerably. Other states will certainly benefit
from the Meth Project’s prevention program,
and I commend Mr. Siebel for his commitment
to this issue. I call on my colleagues to make
resources available to implement the Meth
Project program nationally.”
IDAHO FIRST LADY LORI OTTER
TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS
On April 2, Idaho First Lady Lori Otter testified
before Congress, touting the success of the
Project. Members of the House Appropriations
Subcommittee of Commerce, Justice, Science
and Related Agencies affirmed the need to
direct significant federal funding to support
current and new Meth Project programs in
states across the nation. In her testimonial,
Otter outlined the damage that Meth causes
in Idaho and the effectiveness of the program
to fight the drug. “[The Meth Project’s] results
in Montana have been more significant than
any drug prevention program in history, and
I believe we are on a path to see the same
benefits in Idaho. On behalf of the citizens of
Idaho, as well as the 38 state leaders who are
reaching out to the Meth Project for an answer
to devastating Meth abuse, I sincerely hope
that Congress will respond to this challenge,”
Otter said.

ADVERTISING AWARDS: METH PROJECT EARNS INDUSTRY’S TOP HONORS METH PROJECT DVD: NOW AVAILABLE
The Meth Project earned internationally recognized awards for its prevention The Meth Project is pleased to announce
advertising campaign in the past year, including the prestigious Bronze Lion Award the release of a new program overview DVD
at the 54th Annual Cannes International Advertising Festival in Cannes, France. Other containing the Meth Project ads, interviews
notable honors to date include seven Gold ADDY awards, 18 Silver Addy Awards, two with state leaders, and remarks by Meth
Gold Effie awards, and seven AdCritic.com “Top Ten” Awards for the best ads in the Project Founder Tom Siebel. The DVD also
U.S. The campaign was also a finalist for the coveted Grand Effie award, alongside contains “Montana Meth,” a documentary
such notable brands as Apple, Philips Norelco, and American Express. film that takes an unflinching look at the
debilitating impact of methamphetamine use.
IMPACT To obtain a copy of the DVD, please make a
AFTER THE FIRST 2 YEARS OF THE METH PROJECT IN MONTANA: $50 donation at www.methproject.org.
• Montana now ranks #39 in the nation for Meth
abuse, down from # 5
• Teen Meth use has declined by 45%
• Adult Meth use has declined by 72%
• Meth-related crime has decreased 62%

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 methproject.org

METH PROJECT IN THE NEWS NEW UCLA “METH INSIDE OUT”

The Meth Project has been featured in over
1,500 news stories and 300 million media
impressions, including several news features
and publications, in the past year. In August
2007, PBS NOW featured the Montana
Meth Project in its “Enterprising Ideas”
series, which highlights the world’s leading
social entrepreneurs and how they are
using business tools to tackle major social
problems. The show focused on the Meth
Project’s successful marketing techniques in
“unselling” Meth to teens in Montana. The
episode was well received, and PBS NOW
followed up in May 2008 with a feature on
the expansion of the Meth Project into Idaho,
highlighting the successes of the program in
the state.
ABC News reported on the Meth Project in
two of its news segments, ABC Nightline and
ABC World News Tonight, which explored
methamphetamine use in Montana and how
the Meth Project has made an impact in
DVD SHOWS IMPACT OF METH USE
reducing its prevalence in the state. The Meth
Project was also featured as part of a CBS
ON THE BRAIN
UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse
News (Silicon Valley) Special Report series,
Programs, a leading research institution
“The Meth Epidemic.”
on the topic of methamphetamine, and
Eyes of the World Media Group jointly
Numerous magazines have reported on the
produced a video-based treatment
Meth Project, including the Stanford Social
curriculum on methamphetamine
Innovation Review, Philanthropy Magazine,
addiction and recovery, with support
GOOD Magazine, and the Economist.
from the Meth Project. The series is
designed to equip Meth users, their
families, and the professionals who
assist them with a solid understanding
of the biological basis of addiction and
effective tools for recovery. “Meth Inside
Out: Brain and Behavior” equips viewers
with an understanding of how Meth
changes the brain and, consequently,
behavior. 3D animations, accessible
explanations, and personal accounts
help viewers understand complex
scientific concepts. To obtain a copy of
All press coverage can be found on the Meth
the DVD, visit www.methinsideout.com
Project’s website at www.methproject.org.

NEW METH PROJECT ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN: DIRECTED BY

Oscar-nominated director Alejandro González
Iñárritu directed the new Meth Project TV ads.
Visit www.methproject.org/ads
OSCAR-NOMINATED FILMMAKER ALEJANDRO GONZÁLEZ IÑÁRRITU
In April, the Meth Project
unveiled its newest advertising
campaign, including a series
of television ads directed by
critically acclaimed filmmaker
Alejandro González Iñárritu,
the Oscar-nominated director
and producer whose works
include “Babel,” “21 Grams,”
and “Amores Perros.” The ads,
which launched in Montana,
are designed to communicate
the consequences of Meth use
on individuals, their friends,
and families. The 30-second
television ads offer a look into
the dark world of teen Meth
addiction. Built around the
theme, “This isn’t normal, but
on Meth it is,” the ads present
graphic and often uncomfortable
views of how Meth can drive
users to abhorrent and even
violent behavior.
In one ad, two teenage girls sell
themselves to a group of young
men for money to buy Meth.
Another focuses on addicts
breaking into a house to support
their Meth habit, and the last
features a teen suffering from
an overdose, lying at the feet of
friends who are smoking Meth.
In addition to the three television
ads directed by Iñárritu, 4 print
ads and 9 radio ads will reach
at least 80% of Montana teens
three times each week.
The new advertising campaign
is the fourth in an award-winning
series launched by the Meth
Project. To assure maximum
impact, each campaign is
research-based and is carefully
tested with the Project’s target
audience—teens. The ads can
be viewed at www.methproject.
org/ads, and will be aired in
other states, including Arizona,
Idaho, Illinois, and Wyoming at a
later date.

3

94% OF ARIZONA TEENS NOW SEE GREAT RISK IN TRYING METH
A new statewide survey has found that
teens’ attitudes toward the dangers of
methamphetamine use have shifted
substantially since the Arizona Meth Project
initiated the first wave of its Meth prevention
campaign in 2007. Compared to the 2007
benchmark survey—conducted prior to
the launch of the Project’s “Not Even Once”
campaign—the new results show that teens
are now much more aware of the negative
consequences associated with Meth use.
The survey also revealed that, for the first
time, teens view Meth as the most dangerous
substance, even riskier than heroin, cocaine,
and marijuana.
The 2008 survey shows teens are more acutely
aware of the specific dangers of first-time Meth
use. Increases in perceptions of “great” risk
in trying Meth “once or twice” were reported
in nearly all risk areas measured, including:
getting hooked (94 percent, up 5 points),
ARIZONA METH PROJECT UNVEILS NEW ADVERTISING
AND ANTI-METH YOUTH PLEDGE
Arizona’s “Not Even Once” Youth Pledge was
revealed last September, to mark the kick-
off of Wave Two of the Arizona Meth Project
mass media youth prevention and education
campaign featuring hard-hitting television,
outdoor, and print advertising designed to
prevent first-time Meth use.
The kick-off in Maricopa County was hosted
at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix
by Arizona Meth Project Advisory Board
co-chairs Attorney General Terry Goddard,
Maricopa County Supervisor Don Stapley, and
Navajo Nation First Lady Vikki Shirley. The co-
chairs were joined by Arizona Alliance of Boys
& Girls Clubs Board President John Heitel, a
member of the Arizona Meth Project Advisory
Board.
becoming someone you don’t want to be (89
percent, up 8 points), dying (83 percent, up 8
points), and becoming violent (81 percent, up
7 points).
Teens are also now more likely to disagree with
certain benefits of Meth. Changes were seen
as teens more readily reject the notion that the
drug makes you happier (67 percent), gives
you increased energy (69 percent), and helps
you lose weight (49 percent).
“This data demonstrates the Arizona Meth
Project is making progress in changing teens’
attitudes toward Meth,” said Dr. Judy Krysik,
associate professor in the ASU College of
Public Programs School of Social Work. “Teens
report the Project’s ads are not only impactful
and informative, but make them less likely
to try Meth. Teens now see the drug carries
greater risk and less benefit than previously
thought.”
Commenting on the Project, Stapley shared,
“from the moment we launched the Pledge,
our coalition partners across the state were
anxious to carry this manifestation of the Not
Even Once message into their community so
that the conversation about this horrific drug
could take place at a very grassroots level.
Their enthusiasm, combined with the massive
response from young people—expressed
through their personal signatures and
comments— reaffirms to me that the Arizona
Meth Project is a much-needed effort and that
we have only begun to scratch the surface.”
(Continued on page 5)
arizonamethproject.org
The majority of teens “strongly agree” the
Arizona Meth Project’s ads show that Meth is
dangerous to try just once (80 percent), will
make you act in a way you would not want to
(84 percent), is more dangerous than they had
originally thought (78 percent), and affects
many people’s lives besides the user’s (74
percent). Teens “strongly agree” that the ads
make them less likely to try or use Meth (76
percent), help them understand that you can’t
try Meth even once (78 percent), and make
them more aware of the risks of using Meth (74
percent).
The 2008 Arizona Meth Use & Attitudes Survey
is the largest Meth-related attitudinal tracking
study in the state. The survey group consists
of over 1,212 respondents among three key
groups: teens, young adults, and parents of
teens. For the complete report, please visit
www.arizonamethproject.org.
“Not Even Once” Youth Pledge and kick-off of
Wave Two of the Arizona Meth Project advertising
campaign at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix
4
 arizonamethproject.org

METH PROJECT POSTER CONTEST: ARIZONA TEENS SHOWCASE CREATIVITY AND TALENT
To make young people aware of the dangers of The winner, Laurel Catanzariti, an eighth grader at Heritage
methamphetamine, Attorney General Terry Goddard and Middle school, will have her artwork featured as a full sized
the Arizona Meth Project partnered in the Meth Not Even poster in a statewide public information campaign.
Once Poster Contest. Goddard encouraged eighth graders
throughout Arizona to showcase their creativity and artistic
talent, while learning more about the devastating effects of
Meth use, by participating in the contest.

According to Andrea Esquer, press secretary with the

Attorney General’s Office, the office received 240 entries
from 40 schools across Arizona. The criteria for the posters
required that the artwork be original and that it exemplified
the Not Even Once message. Judges looked for posters that
best expressed the dangers of methamphetamine and that
would appeal to a broad range of youth, Esquer explained.

The Arizona Dental Association and Wells Fargo presented

the winning students with cash prizes of $500 for first place,
$250 for second place, and $100 for third place. An additional
14 honorable mention winners received $25 awards.
Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard awards the winners of the Not Even Once Poster
Contest

NOT EVEN ONCE PLEDGE CONTINUED

The Not Even Once Youth Pledge was a

collaborative statewide grass roots effort that
successfully captured personal commentary,
etchings, and signatures from young people
across Arizona. The Pledge collected more than
10,000 signatures from Arizona teens and young
adults. County health departments, anti-Meth
coalitions, tribal councils, and other community
groups partnered with the Arizona Meth Project
to bring the Not Even Once Youth Pledge to
events in their communities, including music
festivals, 4th of July parades, Boys & Girls Clubs,
and popular water parks. Nearly 100 signed
Pledges were returned to the Arizona Meth
Project and, connected end-to-end, are longer
than an NFL regulation football field. A list of
all of the participating organizations, as well as
some images of the Pledge in the community,
can be seen at
www.arizonamethproject.org.

Winning entries of the Meth Not Even Once Poster Contest featured in an Arizona Meth Project Poster

5

NEW LAUNCH: GOVERNOR OTTER KICKS OFF IDAHO METH PROJECT
On January 7, 2008, Governor C.L. “Butch”
Otter announced the launch of the Idaho
Meth Project’s statewide prevention
campaign aimed at significantly reducing
first-time methamphetamine use. During
his State of the State address, the Governor
also requested the state legislature to
appropriate $1 million in tobacco settlement
money from the Millennium Fund to join the
private, corporate, and public partners that
support the Project.
The Idaho Meth Project has adopted
the Meth Project’s innovative program—
combining an aggressive, saturation-level
media campaign with community-action
programs—designed to prevent Meth use
by raising awareness of the dangers of the
drug.
IDAHO METH PROJECT RELEASES NEW METH SURVEY
At the end of January, the Idaho Meth Project
released the results of a first-ever statewide
survey examining the attitudes and behaviors
that Idaho teens, young adults, and parents
have toward methamphetamine. The survey,
conducted among representative groups across
the state, found that 45% of young adults report
Meth is readily available and 30% report having
been offered the drug.
Particularly disturbing is the fact that many
young people perceive significant benefits in
using Meth—and little risk. The Idaho survey
indicated that nearly one quarter of teens
believe the drug will make them happy and
help them lose weight; 20% of teens see little
to no risk in trying the drug. Four in ten young
people have not tried to dissuade friends from
taking Meth, and nearly one in four believe
their friends would not give them a hard time
for using the drug, suggesting a pronounced
idahomethproject.org
In announcing the program’s launch, In January, the Idaho Meth Project began
Governor Otter cited the severe impact airing hard-hitting television, radio, billboard,
methamphetamine use has had in Idaho, and and print ads across the state. This
the success the Meth Project model has had research-based, high-impact advertising
in reducing Meth use in other states. graphically portrays the ravages of Meth use
and is designed to reach 70 to 90% of teens
“The Idaho Meth Project was brought statewide, 3 to 5 times a week. The ads can
to our state by Idahoans who saw the be viewed at www.idahomethproject.org.
tremendous burden Meth use has put on
our social service, law enforcement, and
prison systems,” Governor Otter said. “This
year, the First Lady and I have visited with
hundreds of citizens in the state that want
to be a part of the solution. The result truly
is a collaborative effort. People across the
state have donated their time, talents, and
financial resources. Thanks to their efforts,
we can implement the Meth Project model in
Idaho and dramatically reduce Meth use in
our state.”
level of social approval. Survey results showed
that half of young adults and one in three
teens have never discussed Meth with their
parents, although behavioral research has
found that parent-child communication is one
of the best prevention methods for reducing
risky behavior. “All evidence suggests that
education and communication are critical
in preventing Meth use,” said Megan Ronk,
Executive Director of the Idaho Meth Project.
“The goal of the Idaho Meth Project advertising
is to ‘unsell’ Meth, arming youth with the facts
about methamphetamine so they can make
better informed consumption decisions.”
The 2007 Idaho Meth Use & Attitudes Survey will
serve as a benchmark to measure progress
as the Idaho Meth Project executes the Meth
Project’s large-scale prevention campaign to
educate the state’s youth about the dangers of Idaho Meth Project launch in January, 2008.
methamphetamine use.
6

COMMUNITY SUPPORT: IDAHOANS RALLY FOR THE IDAHO METH PROJECT
THUNDER OVER NAMPA
The Thunder Over Nampa Air Show
partnered with the Idaho Meth Project to
bring an air show to Nampa, Idaho over
Father’s Day weekend, with all proceeds
benefiting the Idaho Meth Project.
The event drew crowds of up to 18,000
over the weekend and, to benefit the Idaho
Meth Project as much as possible, all of
the performers at the air show thrilled
spectators free of charge. Idaho Meth
Project Executive Director Megan Ronk
said that, from all perspectives, the show
was a great success. With an estimated
yearly budget of around $2.4 million, the
project needs funding to keep promoting
its slogan, “Not Even Once,” through an
aggressive advertising and community
action campaign.
Blakefest and Thunder Over Nampa—community
organized events to support the Idaho Meth Project
“This is not a problem we’re going to solve
overnight,” Ronk said. “We really have to
look at the next generation of Idahoans and
inform them about this horrible drug.”
“All the pilots donated their time and
their expertise and all the people who are
here—are here on their own time,” said
John-Curtiss Paul, a pilot in the air show.
Organizers with the Idaho Meth Project
were blown away by the support they
received from the flying community and the
crowds. The event raised $45,000 to help
fund the Idaho Meth Project’s anti-Meth
campaign.
IDAHO METH PROJECT RECEIVES FINANCIAL SUPPORT
COEUR D’ALENE TRIBE
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has pledged
$500,000 to support the Idaho Meth Project.
This pledge represents the single largest
contribution to the Idaho Meth Project to date.
“We recognize the impact that
methamphetamine has on our state—and
Native American tribes have not been immune
from the devastating effects of this incredibly
addictive drug,” said Coeur d’Alene Chairman
Chief J. Allan. “As a result, it only made sense
for us to partner with the state and private
sector in a coordinated prevention and public
awareness initiative to protect our young
people from this drug.”
Senator Michael Jorgensen, Chairman of the
Idaho Council on Indian Affairs and the North
Idaho Fundraising Chair for the Idaho Meth
idahomethproject.org
BLAKEFEST
With the help of a friend, Blake Shropshire
organized 11 bands to play in his own
backyard in Idaho Falls to raise awareness
and money for the Idaho Meth Project.
Blake knows first-hand the devastating
effects Meth can have on a person. “I’ve
had 15 years experience with Meth, and it
wasn’t good,” Blake says. “I’ve ruined many
lives and many families. I ruined my own
family for a long time.”
The event was open to all ages and drew
a crowd of 550 young people. Blakefest
raised $3,000 to benefit the Idaho Meth
Project’s anti-Meth prevention campaign
and the organizers are planning the next
festival in Twin Falls.
Project, was instrumental in working with the
tribe on this major contribution. “I have no
doubt that this program will have a significant
impact on reducing Meth use in our state. The
generous contribution from the Coeur d’Alene
Tribe gets us one step closer,” said Jorgenson.
QWEST DIRECT AWARDS
The Idaho Meth Project is a member of
the Qwest Direct Awards Program. Each
subscription to a Qwest service allows
Idahoans to direct their award dollars to the
Idaho Meth Project. Idaho residents can
support the Idaho Meth Project by having
Qwest donate an additional $25 for every
residential service ordered. Qwest offers
local and long-distance voice service, high-
speed Internet, wireless phone service, and
television in much of Idaho.
7
 illinoismethproject.org

ILLINOIS METH PROJECT: LAUNCHES IN SPRINGFIELD, DECATUR, AND CHAMPAIGN

The Illinois Meth Project launched a campaign to prevent first-time
methamphetamine use in the state on February 11, 2008. The
campaign began in the central Illinois media market covering the
cities of Springfield, Decatur, and Champaign. It is expected to
expand to other media markets in the coming months.
increase the dialogue in the state,” said Meth Project founder Tom
Siebel. “As an Illinois native, this project holds a special meaning
for me. I am honored to be working with so many dedicated law
enforcement officers, treatment experts, elected officials, and other
state leaders who have taken a stand against Meth.”

“In the past several years, we have taken steps to curb the soaring
number of Meth labs in Illinois, but this fight is far from over,” said
Attorney General Lisa Madigan, addressing the crowd of attendees
at the campaign’s official launch announcement in Springfield.
“We also need to focus on prevention to curb demand. The
Meth Project has delivered measurable results unlike any other
prevention program I have seen, and I am excited to help introduce
Illinois to this groundbreaking campaign.”

Illinois Meth Project advertising will reach roughly 70 to 90 percent

of teens 3 to 5 times per week in the Springfield, Decatur, and
Champaign area, which includes the state’s capital city, Springfield.
“We want to dramatically reduce Meth use and significantly

POLICY ADVISOR TO ATTORNEY GENERAL NAMED

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ILLINOIS METH PROJECT
Steve Mange, a respected advocate in the
fight against methamphetamine, is now
Executive Director of the Illinois Meth Project.
Prior to joining the Project, Mange served
as Senior Policy Advisor to Illinois Attorney
General Lisa Madigan, where he devoted
most of his time to addressing the state’s
ongoing Meth issues. Mange brings years of
policy and community relations experience to
his new position, including considerable work
helping build local coalitions and statewide
alliances to support stronger anti-Meth
policies.
“The Illinois Meth Project is pleased to have
an Executive Director who is an expert in this
issue at the local, state, and national levels,”
said Michael Reagan, the Project’s Chairman.
“Steve will be instrumental in working with
government agencies and community groups,
and expanding this innovative program
to other parts of the state where Meth is a
devastating reality.”
In his new role, Mange will work with existing
anti-Meth coalitions and communities to help
prevent first-time Meth use, especially among
young people. These efforts will focus on
outreach among schools, since studies show
youth and teens are particularly vulnerable to
trying the drug. Mange will also spearhead
efforts to expand the Illinois Meth Project into
state media markets beyond the Springfield,
Champaign, and Decatur region, where the
Project is currently focused. The Illinois Meth Project ad campaign
reaches 70-90% of the state’s teens, 3-5 times
a week

8

SURVEY RESULTS: METH IS READILY AVAILABLE TO ILLINOIS TEENS, MANY SEE
BENEFITS AND LITTLE RISK
The Illinois Meth Project released results
of its Meth Use & Attitudes Survey for the
central Illinois region corresponding to
the Springfield, Decatur, and Champaign
media market. The in-depth survey
examining Illinois teens’ attitudes and
behaviors toward methamphetamine shows
that many Illinois young people consider
Meth an easily accessible, low-risk drug
that offers a myriad of benefits.
Nearly one in four teens (22%) reported
the drug is readily available and 26% see
little risk in giving it a try. The survey also
suggests that central Illinois teens perceive
significant benefits in using Meth—21% cite
weight loss as a key benefit, 16% believe it
will make them happy, and one in 10 teens
(12%) say Meth will help them deal with
Illinois Meth Project Launch in February, 2008
boredom. Not only do some teens see
benefit in using Meth, but the data further
indicates a relatively low level of social
disapproval—49% of teens have not tried
to dissuade friends from taking Meth, and
nearly one in three (30%) believe their
friends would not give them a hard time for
using the drug.
“Sadly, adolescents often have little or no
factual information about the risks involved
with illicit drug use, and make decisions
based on incorrect assumptions and
perceptions,” said Wendy Bailie, Director
of Substance Abuse Services at Franklin-
Williamson Human Services, which
treats patients with addiction problems,
including methamphetamine, at its centers
in southern Illinois. “These results clearly
SENATOR DURBIN SECURES FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE
ILLINOIS METH PROJECT
In response to the ongoing Meth epidemic
in Illinois—particularly in the state’s rural
areas—the Illinois Sherriff’s Association led
the initial effort to bring the Meth Project to
the state. In partnership with U.S. Senator
Dick Durbin, the Association wanted
to implement a large-scale prevention
campaign to educate young people about
the dangers of Meth. According to the
Department of Justice, methamphetamine
is the primary drug threat in central and
southern Illinois and the University of Illinois
estimates that methamphetamine costs the
state approximately $2 billion per year.
Senator Durbin and the Association have
been instrumental in securing federal
funding to both launch and sustain the Illinois
Meth Project. The Senator has long been
illinoismethproject.org
show the gross misconceptions teens have
regarding methamphetamine use. Many
just don’t realize the destruction that comes
with trying Meth.”
Teens are particularly vulnerable
to experimentation with Meth—in
Illinois, 72% of people in treatment for
methamphetamine began using at age 17
or younger. While behavioral research
shows parent-child communication to
be a powerful tool in discouraging risky
behavior, survey results showed that 50% of
teens have never discussed Meth with their
parents.
at the forefront in the fight against Meth use
both in Illinois and nationally, co-sponsoring
key legislation including the Combat
Meth Act and Senate Resolution 366 with
Senator Max Baucus of Montana, declaring
November as National Meth Awareness
Month.
The work of the Illinois Sherriff’s Association
and Senator Durbin in support of the
Illinois Meth Project is driving visible and
meaningful change in Illinois.
9
 montanamethproject.org

IMPACT: NEW MONTANA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S REPORT AND THE MONTANA METH PROJECT
WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE
RECENT SURVEYS SHOW SIGNIFICANT DECLINES IN USE AND FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS
METH-RELATED CRIME FOR THEIR GENEROUS
SUPPORT:
The Centers for Disease Control and the Montana 2005, and a near 42% decline in Meth-related
Office of Public Instruction announced the results admissions to state-funded treatment facilities
of Montana’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which among young people. The report also cited an American Bank
found that Meth use among teens in the state 11% decrease in children placed in out of home Gilhousen Family Foundation
has declined 45% since 2005, when the Meth custody due to Meth-related neglect or abuse. First Interstate Bank
Project first launched its campaign in Montana. In BNSF Foundation
contrast, the report showed a 29% decrease in In the report, Attorney General McGrath cites the Martel Construction
Meth use among teens nationally over the same work of the Montana Meth Project as a key factor
Montana Contractors’ Association
period. in the state’s progress against Meth and called
for increased support for the Project, noting that
Glacier Bancorp
In April, the Montana Attorney General’s office “continuing to execute aggressive prevention and Ila B. Dousman Fund
issued its second Meth study, “Methamphetamine education programs is critical to our efforts to Montana Tavern Association
in Montana: A Follow-Up Report on Trends eradicate Montana’s methamphetamine problem. Town Pump Charitable Foundation
and Progress.” The report showed substantial By systematically focusing on demand reduction, Lee Enterprises
reductions in Meth usage and the secondary we will continue to set the pace for the rest of the
Davidson Companies
effects of Meth on social services and law nation in addressing this epidemic.”
Fast Enterprises LLC
enforcement. Among the findings in the report
were a 62% drop in Meth-related crime since Swank Enterprises
LP & Theresa Anderson Foundation
Locati Architects
Rio Tinto Energy America
Stuart & Sally Platinum Properties
Oftedal Construction
© The Meth Project

Stockman Bank
PICKING FOR BUGS UNDER YOUR SKIN ISN’T NORMAL.
MDU Resources Foundation
Stillwater Mining Company
Greater Gallatin United Way
Sime Construction
Vann’s Audio, Video & Appliances
MethProject.org

Kenyon-Noble Lumber Company

Anderson Masonry
Soroptimist International of Helena
Mountain West Bank
LEAVING A FRIEND FOR DEAD ISN’T NORMAL. Bernard Construction
Printing for Less
James Talcott Construction
Western Municipal Construction
MethProject.org
© The Meth Project

The Montana Meth Project is currently airing Wave Four of the award-winning ad cam-
paign, featuring TV, radio, and print ads

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 montanamethproject.org

MONTANA METH PROJECT’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN DONATE THROUGH “MONTANA

The Montana Meth Project ended 2007 with a
highly successful annual fundraising campaign,
raising nearly $1,250,000 in private and
corporate donations toward its 2007 goal of $1
million in private contributions.
The Project relies on public and private
donations raised through its annual fundraising
campaign to sustain its statewide prevention
efforts. This year’s fundraising campaign
kicked-off with a special benefit dinner, ski
event, and auction at the Yellowstone Club near
Big Sky. The event raised over $40,000 toward
the Montana Meth Project’s 2008 fundraising
efforts.
This summer, Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Foundation, a long-time supporter of the
Project, is hosting a benefit dinner for the
SHARES” PAYROLL DEDUCTION
AND RAFFLE
Montana Meth Project on their Glacier View
dining car. A gourmet dinner will be served as
The Montana Shares Program is an
the train travels through Glacier National park
easy way to give to the Montana
from Whitefish to East Glacier.
Meth Project. In addition, their
annual raffle is another great way
In August, the Iron Horse Golf Club in Whitefish
to contribute, plus get a chance
will once again host a fundraising dinner to
to win one of nearly 50 prizes,
benefit the Montana Meth Project. The event
including gas cards, handmade
will feature fantastic food and music in a
jewelry, artwork, and more. If
beautiful setting.
you are interested in either the
Montana Shares’ payroll donations
The Montana Meth Project is now able to
or purchasing raffle tickets, please
accept recurring credit card gifts. Annual gifts
contact us at www.montanameth.org.
can be spread out through smaller monthly
payments for a gift that continues to give
throughout the year. For more information on
this program, and the events above, please visit
www.montanameth.org.

MONTANA’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION LEAD FEDERAL

FUNDING EFFORT
Montana’s Congressional delegates—Sen.
Baucus, Sen. Tester, and Rep. Rehberg—
continued their leadership in addressing
the Meth problem in Montana and nationally
through ongoing efforts to direct significant
federal funding to Meth prevention.
This month, the Montana Meth Project will
receive nearly $1 million in federal funding
secured by Senators Max Baucus and Jon
Tester, and Congressman Denny Rehberg
in the Commerce, Science, and Justice
Appropriations Bill in last year’s session.
An additional $2 million in funding for the
Montana Meth Project has been requested by
Sen. Baucus, Sen. Tester, and Rep. Rehberg in
this year’s appropriations bill.
Montana’s Congressional delegation has also
taken a leading role to expand the program
nationally and drafted legislation that would
provide $20 million in federal funding to
support Meth awareness and prevention
campaigns in Montana and other affected
regions.
“We need to get behind the Meth Project and
give it our full support. This is a chance to
make a real difference in our state.”
– Max Baucus, U.S. Senator, Montana
“If you look at what’s happened in the state
of Montana, it’s pretty exciting. It’s time for
Congress to commit to taking the Meth Project
national.”
– Denny Rehberg, U.S. Congressman, Montana

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 wyomingmethproject.org

NEW LAUNCH: WYOMING BECOMES 5TH STATE TO ADOPT

METH PROJECT
On June 16, 2008, Wyoming became
the fifth state to implement the Meth
Project’s large-scale prevention campaign
aimed at significantly reducing first-time
methamphetamine use among Wyoming youth.
The Wyoming Meth Project kicked off with
a press conference at the McMurry Training
Center in Casper.
According to the Department of Justice,
methamphetamine is the primary drug threat
to Wyoming, costing millions of dollars in lost
productivity, contributing to jail and prison
populations, and often leading to domestic
violence and child abuse—adversely
impacting families and children across the
state. Wyoming ranks #2 in the country for
Meth use among teens ages 12-17, and #1 in
the country for Meth use among young adults
ages 18-25.
Members of the Wyoming Meth Project
Advisory Council, as well as federal and
state officials, discussed the importance of
the Project in driving Meth from the state and
expressed their support for the effort. “The
people affected by this epidemic are not just
nameless, faceless statistics. They are our
friends, our relatives, our co-workers, and the
children of our communities,” said U.S. Senator
John Barrasso, R-WY. “The Wyoming Meth
Project will play a key role in educating our
youth and reducing demand for this highly-
addictive, devastating drug.”
The Wyoming Meth Project Launch at the
McMurry Training Center in Casper, WY

THE PROBLEM WYOMING RELEASES RESULTS OF FIRST STATEWIDE

• Wyoming ranks #2 in the U.S.
for Meth use by teens ages 12
to 17
• Wyoming ranks #1 in the U.S.
for Meth use by young adults
ages 18 to 25
METH SURVEY
The Wyoming Meth Project released results
from three statewide surveys measuring
attitudes and behaviors that Wyoming teens,
young adults, and parents have toward
boredom, lose weight, make them happier,
and provide increased energy.
Not only is Meth seen as a low-risk drug, the

• About one in four Wyoming

teens (23%) see little or no
risk in trying Meth
• 30% of Wyoming teens and
47% of young adults believe
that Meth “helps you lose
weight”
• One third of Wyoming teens
and 21% of young adults say
their friends would not give
them “a hard time” for using
Meth
methamphetamine. Results of the first
Wyoming Meth Use & Attitudes Survey show
that young people in Wyoming believe Meth
is a low-risk, easily accessible drug that offers
benefits—beliefs that put Wyoming youth at
significant risk.
Despite the highly addictive nature of
methamphetamine, nearly one quarter of
Wyoming teens (23%) see little to no risk in
trying the drug. Thirty percent of teens and
nearly 50% of young adults believe there are
significant benefits to methamphetamine
use, citing the drug will help them alleviate
data also shows it is readily available to young
people throughout the state. More than half
of young adults (54%) and 35% of teens say it
would be easy for them to acquire Meth and 1
in 3 young adults and 16% of teens report that
someone has offered them the drug or tried to
get them to use it.
“These new survey results show us just
how vulnerable our youth are to Meth use
and addiction; they are at tremendous risk,”
said Jean Davies, Executive Director of the
Wyoming Meth Project. “Wyoming ranks
second in the nation for teen Meth use and
(Continued on page 13)

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 wyomingmethproject.org

SURVEY RESULTS CONTINUED

we cannot afford to cede any more
ground to this drug. Clearly, we need to
address the misperceptions that Meth
carries little risk and provides benefits
to users and communicate the very real
dangers of Meth abuse before this very
serious statewide problem becomes an
unmanageable crisis.”
Prevention expert Brenda Eichoff-Johnson
believes that teens and parents each have
roles to play in stemming the tide of Meth
use in Wyoming. Survey data suggests
that Meth use is socially acceptable to
many young people in Wyoming, as
32% of teens report their friends would
not give them a hard time for using
the drug. Furthermore, nearly 40% of
young people say they have not tried to
dissuade their friends from taking Meth.
“Meth is clearly a serious problem in
Wyoming, and addressing attitudes
and correcting misperceptions about
the drug are two important keys to
prevention,” said Eichoff-Johnson,
Executive Director of Mercer House.
“Young people get information about
drugs from many different sources, but
research shows that parents are still the
most credible source of drug information
for teens. The Wyoming Meth Use &
Attitudes Survey shows that despite the
wide availability and perceived benefits
of the drug, nearly half of the young
people in Wyoming have never discussed
Meth with their parents.”
The Wyoming Meth Use & Attitudes
Survey was executed from April 18
to May 30, 2008 by GfK Roper Public
Affairs & Media, prior to the launch of the
Wyoming Meth Project’s statewide Meth
prevention campaign in June, 2008. The
survey was conducted among randomly
selected and representative samples of
909 teens, 300 young adults, and 323
parents of 12 to 19 year olds.
To view the full survey report, please visit
www.wyomingmethproject.org.

JEAN DAVIES NAMED WYOMING METH PROJECT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Wyoming Meth Project named
Jean Davies, a well-known supporter
in the fight against methamphetamine,
as the Executive Director in April,
2008. Before joining the Wyoming
Meth Project, Davies worked at the
Wyoming Behavioral Institute for 22
years, and has been a part of Casper’s
community methamphetamine
initiative for the last six years.
In her role as the Director of Marketing
for Wyoming Behavioral Institute,
Jean was responsible for referral
development, media marketing
materials, and various other marketing
roles. Prior to working at WBI,
Jean was the Executive Director for
Wyoming Democratic Party for 5 1/2
years. Jean has served on the board of
the Wyoming Community Coalition for
Health Education, NOWCAP Human
Rights Advisory Board, American
Heart Association, and the Advisory
Board for Children’s Advocacy
Project. She is currently on the Casper
Community Meth Watch Committee,
Natrona County Suicide Prevention
task force, Wyoming Suicide
Prevention Task Force, Wyoming
Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory
Board, National Native American Youth
Suicide Prevention Board, Natrona
County Substance Abuse Providers, a
co-chair for Heart Center of Wyoming
golf tournament, and the Board of
Directors of the United Way of Natrona
County.
WYOMING FOUNDATIONS PARTNER WITH
METH PROJECT
Community leaders from the McMurry
Foundation, Daniels Fund, Tate Foundation,
and other foundations throughout the state
collectively developed a funding plan that
brought the award-winning Meth Project
campaign to Wyoming. “We teamed with
partners across the state to bring the Meth
Project to Wyoming because we’ve all
seen first-hand how Meth is tearing our
communities apart,” said Susie McMurry,
Co-Founder and Secretary of the McMurry
Foundation. “We all have a role to play in
reversing this situation—and we all believe
that we’ve found a prevention model that
will work.”

13