ARIZONA METH PROJECT Unveils Arizona's Anti-Meth Youth Pledge and Kicks Off Phase Two of Public Awarenes...(Phase two of the ARIZONA METH PROJECT wi...),Health

The "Not Even Once(R)" Youth Pledge collected more than 10,000 signatures from Arizona teens and young adults across the state. Nearly 100 signed Pledges were returned to the ARIZONA METH PROJECT, and connected end-to-end are longer than an NFL regulation football field.

Comments written by Pledge participants included poignant observations and personal experience. One young person wrote, "I have a baby brother that's a crystal-meth-baby. His mother took crystal-meth. I will never take drugs." Another young girl, whose young age is evident by her penmanship and spelling, writes, "Meth is verey (sic) bad for you (sic) body and it can mean deth (sic) to you."

According to the Attorney General's Office, Meth is the number one crime problem in Arizona, with 65 percent of child abuse cases and approximately 75 percent of property and violent crimes linked to Meth use. According to a recent baseline survey administered statewide prior to the launch of the ARIZONA METH PROJECT, one in six young adults and one in 25 teens report having used the drug. "We see the escalating Meth use in our community as a real crisis," said Navajo Nation First Lady Vikki Shirley, who also co-chairs the ARIZONA METH PROJECT Advisory Board.

On the national front, the Meth Project-the originators of the Montana Meth Project-is beginning the third year of its education and awareness effort. "We've made tremendous strides in just two short years. Workplace drug testing data shows Meth use has declined 70 percent in Montana and Meth-related crime has declined 53 percent since the Meth Project launched," said Nitsa Zuppas, executive director of the Meth Project.

To see phase two advertising or for more information about the "Not Even Once(R)" Youth Pledge and research about Meth use among young people in Arizon
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