By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Yes, East Juab does have citizens who are addicted to
illegal drugs.
There are also those who "deal" the illicit
substances. However, public perception of the wide-spread
problem is low and many think there is not much of a
substance abuse problem in Juab County.
For those reasons, said Annette Lovell, Legal
Assistant working in the Juab County Attorney's Office, a
meeting has been planned for those who would like to be
educated about or who are concerned about the problem.
The meeting will be held at the Nephi 1st/2nd/8th ward
church on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and will begin at 6:30 p.m.
All adults, ages 18 and older, males and females, are
encouraged to attend.
"I am not willing to lose one more kid to this
problem," said Lovell. "I want to see our citizens concerned
enough that they are willing to work to prevent drug abuse
and to clean up our communities."
Lovell, who is also a counselor in her ward's Relief
Society Presidency, planned a meeting for her ward's women
to discuss the problem. However, as word of the program
spread, it was decided that the meeting should be for all
adults in the Nephi Utah Stake.
In addition, all those who are interested in the topic
are invited to attend and learn what can be done to prevent
further infection of the community.
On hand for the education of those attending will be
Merrill Shaw, Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor;
Paul Mangelson, Utah Highway Patrol Sgt.; Alden Orme, Juab
County Sheriff; Bruce Beal, Nephi City Police Department
Detective; Lisa Carter, Juvenile Probation Officer; and a
panel of youth from the Ascent program.
"Before anything can be done to address the substance
abuse in our area," said Lovell, "we first have to educate
parents and we all have to acknowledge that there is a
problem."
In her position in the Juab County Attorney's Office,
said Lovell, she watches as AnnMarie Howard, Deputy Attorney
with the Juab County Attorney's Office, who works with
juveniles who end up in court; Jared Eldridge, Juab County
Attorney, who works with law enforcement on substance abuse
problems, and all of the others who are involved in working
with those who have substance abuse problems as they try to
work on prevention.
It is hoped that there will soon be a drug court in
Nephi. Such a court will benefit the community.
"I am so tired of seeing young people end up in jail,"
said Lovell.
It would be great if parents realized the symptoms, if
they knew what to watch for, and if they had some skills in
dealing with substance abuse. Many parents are not aware of
the problems their children have until it is too late for
early intervention.
One thing Lovell thinks is important is that parents
need to be aware of signs and of problems they may encounter
with their children. They also need to understand that there
is support in the community for their young people and for
them.
"Parents just can't do it alone," said Lovell. "They
need help."
|
