The May 16 meeting of the Chicago Crystal Meth Task Force ( CCMTF ) included a discussion on the importance of Illinois working on the meth-related problems that different areas of the state are facing.
As Jim Pickett, AIDS Foundation of Chicago's ( AFC's ) director of public policy, mentioned, the issues facing the southern areas of Illinois, where he traveled for a presentation recently, are much different than the issues in Chicago. One of the most significant differences involves the 'at risk' demographics.
By continuing to focus on relationships with southern Illinois, Pickett hopes to create a united fight for program funding.
'The idea for us working together is that, as a state, we should be advocating for more treatment dollars, more prevention dollars. These aren't gay or straight dollars; these are treatment dollars. ... Working as a state, we can be much more powerful,' Pickett said.
Another way to help bridge the gap is through the Illinois-Meth-Net listserv, which was just launched in an effort to help people all across the state share information and resources, as well as find out about currrent legislation. People can sign up by e-mailing Illinois-Meth-Net@listserv.critpath.org .