Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Two-state coalition recognized for its drug use prevention efforts

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – A two-state coalition with the goal of preventing meth use has received an award from the state of Iowa.

Partners for Meth Prevention received the IDEA award Tuesday in Council Bluffs. IDEA stands for Innovation, Determination, and Excellence in Action. Formed in 2004, Partners for Meth Prevention combines 33 partner agencies in Omaha and Council Bluffs to fight meth use.

Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds presented the award. She says IDEA is about leadership and innovation. "The award recognizes that new approaches and creative ideas are needed to address the ongoing drug and alcohol abuse for generations of future Iowans. We cannot be satisfied with the status quo, we must continue to seek innovative ways to find better ways if we are to reduce the problems that flow from alcohol and substance abuse." Reynolds says Partners for Meth Prevention embodies everything the IDEA award is about---partnership and collaboration to prevent drug use.

Among the programs administered by Partners for Meth Prevention is Meth360, a community education and outreach campaign. The coalition brings together law enforcement, prevention, and treatment organizations.