Washington, D.C., Jul 31 -  

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce today kicked off his two-week, 17 stop methamphetamine awareness tour across the 2^nd Congressional District with two productive, well-attended, and informative workshops in Carlsbad and Artesia.

Featuring presentations by local leaders and experts, the two forums established the magnitude of the methamphetamine crisis while showcasing the exceptional resolve and organization of the two communities.

For example, the Carlsbad workshop revealed an alarming statistic: Methamphetamine afflicts 11% of Carlsbad’s high school population – nearly four times the national average of 3%. The presentations showed that Mayor Bob Forrest and the City of Carlsbad are spearheading a determined battle against this epidemic, however.

Commander Wm. Robert Sullivan of the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force emphasized a multi-dimensional and realistic approach during the Carlsbad workshop: “We can’t arrest our way out of this problem,” Commander Sullivan stated, as he outlined a strategy consisting of three components: law enforcement, treatment, and prevention.

Rep. Pearce issued the following statement:

“I was encouraged – and very impressed – by the level of concern and active engagement we witnessed today in Carlsbad and Artesia,” Rep. Pearce said. “We launched this tour to heighten awareness of the crisis, first and foremost. Fortunately, these communities are far beyond that chilling realization.

“The challenge here is among the most daunting – yet, based upon the commitment and expertise we witnessed today, Carlsbad and Artesia appear more than equal to the task.”

Tomorrow, August 1, Congressman Pearce’s Methamphetamine Awareness Tour will continue in Anthony and Las Cruces. Times and locations are as follows:

Anthony, NM

9:30 am – 11:00 am

Anthony Water & Sanitation District Building

1155 Fourth Street

Las Cruces, NM

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Las Cruces City Council Chambers

200 North Church Street