South Whidbey Youth Connection and the Island County Meth Action Team want to thank all Island residents and speakers who gathered for the breakfast forum held in Oak Harbor.

We extend our appreciation to the speakers: Rob Diekman, Department of Corrections; Carl Anderson, Department of Ecology; Marie Piper, Island County Health Department; Lenny Marlborough, Coupeville Town Marshal; Keith Neely , Special Agent, Drug Enforcement Agency; Heidi Blindauer, Compass Health; and Greg Banks, Island County Prosecutor.

They brought a comprehensive view of the impact that methamphetmine has on our community members, businesses, green spaces, water table and property. The awareness of and response to trafficking has increased. Local law enforcement continues to educate about the laws that help our retailers control precursors used in manufacturing the substance, and the Meth Action Team has been instrumental in developing a health response protocol for drug-endangered children. A constant need is the access to treatment available in our region to support recovery.

The AIP (Addiction Impact Panel) is searching for individuals who have a year into recovery, and friends or family members of those living with addiction to join the panel. Within this outreach in the community, people struggling with meth or other substances can learn the importance of health, treatment and recovery from others’ life stories and plans of action.

New AIP panelists will participate in a brief training before taking part in a session. Past panels have been held days and evenings to provide a flexible schedule. Those interested in participating as a panelist or in scheduling a panel presentation, please call South Whidbey Youth Connection at 360-221-4142.

Ann Johnson

South Whidbey Youth Connection