RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) — Law enforcement and others are recognizing Friday as Methamphetamine Awareness Day in Wisconsin.
The growing scourge of ‘meth’ use led to a proclamation to educate state residents about the dangers and effects of meth use. Vilas County Sheriff Joe Fath told WXPR meth availability has increased 250 percent according to a 2016 study.
Fath says the department has seen a sharp increase in use. “We have seen an increase in our meth arrests, possession and delivery, and our jail is full of people who are addicted to methamphetamine.”
The day has been named “Know Meth Awareness Day” with the first word spelled K-N-O-W. Fath says the pipeline to Wisconsin starts south of the border. “A large percentage of methamphetamine is coming up through Mexico, through the Twin Cities in Minnesota and into northwestern and north central Wisconsin. That’s the primary flow into Wisconsin. I know the Department of Justice and the State of Minnesota have been working to curb the source city which is the Twin Cities.”
Fath says the negative health effects on the individual are harsh and long-term. Officials are recommending adults talk to children, friends, and family about meth use. They recommend monitoring the use of pseudoephedrine in your home and refuse to buy it for another person. If you think you know of a meth lab, call law enforcement.
There’s a website with more information at knowmethwi.org.
