Marshal the forces — Meth czar needed to fight scourge?

Does Utah need a meth czar?

Absent that position, an often disparate group of government agencies, treatment providers and law enforcement officials take a piecemeal approach to solving Utah's methamphetamine scourge. They're "white-knuckling" when it comes to cutting off both the seemingly endless supply of — and voracious demand for — the drug.

The financial costs are tapping already squeezed budgets. The social costs to those whose lives are shattered by the insidious crystal are immeasurable.

"As the number of people addicted to this dangerous drug rises, so does the number of victims it creates," said Lana Taylor, Salt Lake County deputy district attorney who prosecutes meth cases.

Every segment of the population is affected by drug addiction, either directly or by the property crimes and violence that occur as a result, Taylor said.

"Most affected are the children of substance abusers. Across the country people are beginning to recognize that drug-endangered children are victims who deserve to be rescued."

The Salt Lake Meth Initiative is a good start. Funded by a federal community-oriented policing grant, the program brings 30 government agencies together. But it operates only in Salt Lake City.

"It's obvious we still have a lot of work," said Marjean Searcy, meth initiative coordinator.

An expanded program under a meth czar probably could go a long way in broadening the scope.

"We need to attack from all different angles," said Robin Arnold-Williams, Utah Department of Human Services director.

Specific recommendations from a variety of sources include:

• More publicly funded treatment beds, especially for mothers who likely won't seek help if it means separation from their children.

• Passage of the Drug Offender Reform Act, which seeks to treat rather than punish drug users.

Transitional housing to aid those who are "white knuckling" in a drug-filled environment while waiting for treatment.

• Expanded collaborative programs like the Salt Lake Meth Initiative.

• A health insurance parity for substance abuse.

• More funding for successful prison drug rehab programs like Excell.

• Expanded drug courts, including family and dependency drug court.

These courts are one known successful quantity in an otherwise sobering substance-abuse arena.

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