“Drugs and Society: The True Cost to YOU!” Drug Endangered Children

About this Broadcast

An increasing number of children in the United States are exposed to toxic chemicals because methamphetamine laboratories are being operated in or near their homes. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports 3,300 children were found in the 8,000 meth labs seized nationwide in 2003. Children who inhabit homes where laboratories are present often inhale dangerous chemical fumes or gases or ingest toxic chemicals or illicit drugs. Exposure to these substances can cause serious short - and long-term health problems including damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, eyes and skin. Children whose parents or legal guardians produce or abuse methamphetamine also are likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems stemming from abuse or neglect. Few areas in the country have programs in place to coordinate the social and legal aspects of cases involving children at methamphetamine laboratories; however implementation of an effective program is possible. The goal of this broadcast is the educate the public about the problem, provide solutions, and present ways that coalitions can become more involved in protecting children and reducing the tragic human costs associated with drug abuse.

Witness what it is truly like to enter a meth site. We go onsite to give you a first-hand view of what law enforcement often finds at a meth "cook site." The broadcast will also feature a roundtable of experts who will share their views.

MODERATOR:
Kareemah Abdullah,
Deputy Director, the National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute

PANELISTS:
Deborah Augustine, Victim Witness Program Manager, Drug Enforcement Administration
Ron Mullins, Coordinator, National Drug Endangered Children Alliance
John Martyny, Associate Professor, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Medical & Research Center.

This broadcast is made possible through a partnership with the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training Program (MCTFT), St. Petersburg College and the Florida National Guard