FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 27, 2005
Contact: Jennifer Stone (619) 531-4766

COUNTY DEALING METH PAMPHLETS TO WOMEN IN JAILS

SAN DIEGO - The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to begin distributing informational pamphlets about methamphetamine treatment to women booked into County-operated detention facilities.

The “Speed Into Recovery” pilot project was initiated by Supervisor Dianne Jacob, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Sheriff Bill Kolender in hopes of controlling the staggering percentage of female lawbreakers said to be using the intense stimulant.

A 2004 study conducted by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) indicated that four out of 10 females arrested for crimes in San Diego County test positive for meth at the time of arrest.

“Meth is appealing to women because it helps them lose weight, gain energy and confidence. At the same time, meth destroys a woman’s health and leads to bizarre, criminal behavior,” Jacob said. “The pamphlet is a simple and cost-effective way to try to transform addicts into productive members of our society.”

Women in treatment for meth addiction and women serving time in jails played a role in the design the pamphlet. Preliminary designs were shown to five focus groups whose members helped select the color, artwork and content of the final pamphlet.

The pamphlets will be provided to women released on their own recognizance from Las Colinas and Vista detention facilities - jails that house female inmates. For these inmates, the pamphlet will become part of the materials given to them when they leave custody. For women who stay in custody for a period of time, correctional counselors who assist women with pre-release planning will distribute the pamphlet.

“Providing the pamphlet to the women prior to their release gives women the opportunity to have the pamphlet, look it over and think about road ahead to recovery,” Jacob said. Sheriff’s staff can then facilitate a referral to a treatment provider.

The County will track success of the “Speed Into Recovery” in partnership with treatment providers. A poster of the pamphlet will be on display at treatment centers. At intake, providers will ask women if they saw the pamphlet and if it influenced their decision to seek treatment. The providers will submit the data to the County each month.

The County operates a meth hotline to report meth-related community problems or seek help. The number is 1-877-No2Meth.