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Salem, OR – Few in Marion County are as close to the front lines of the meth epidemic as the physicians and staff at Salem Hospital. From the emergency room to the birthing center, it is impossible to escape the reach of this devastating drug. This week, in an effort to combat the problem, the hospital made a $25,000 contribution to a new multi-agency law enforcement strike force charged with combating meth.
“This generous donation, when combined with the support of other local leaders, is a critical part of Marion County’s battle against meth,” stated Senator Jackie Winters (R-Salem), who co-chairs with Senate President Peter Courtney, a meth task force. “I am very proud of the way our community has taken ownership of this problem and worked to solve it.”
The Legislative Blue Ribbon Task Force on Methamphetamine has been working for nearly a year to bring government, business and community leaders together with one goal: getting meth out of local neighborhoods and rebuilding families.
“Meth wrecks havoc on families and neighborhoods. The nurses, doctors and staff at Salem Hospital know firsthand the damage this deadly drug causes. I am grateful to the hospital for its generous donation to help fight the beast,” said Senate President Courtney.
The centerpiece of the effort is a Meth Strike Force made up of law enforcement agencies throughout the county. Working cooperatively and across jurisdictional lines, the Strike Force will target mid- and upper-level meth dealers. Salem Hospital’s contribution puts the Strike Force one step closer to launching this major effort.
Salem Hospital President and CEO Norman Gruber cited meth as an issue in emergency, birthing and psychiatric units. With the exception of law enforcement, Gruber believes no other organization sees the impact of methamphetamine in its daily work more than hospitals.
In addition to the strike force, other steps have already been taken. Bail in Marion County for those involved in certain meth crimes has increased from $50,000 to $500,000 and 25 jail beds have been dedicated to keeping those arrested for distributing the drug out of local neighborhoods.
Led by Senators Courtney and Winters, members of the Blue Ribbon Task Force also are working to secure $100,000 from the Legislative Emergency Board when it meets later this month.
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