Idaho Meth Project in Bonners March 26

A program aimed at reducing first-time meth use through a statewide campaign is coming to Bonners Ferry.

The program is being sponsored by Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce. The project initated in January promotes a series of graphic ads and films showing the dangers of methamphetamine use.

“I just thought there is a need here to make the kids aware,” said Anita Stockdale-Woods, secretary of the chamber. “Hopefully it will scare them enough not to try it.”

The program was established two years ago in Montana where it is credited with a 45 percent decline in teen meth use in that state.

The film will be shown at 10:30 a.m. at Bonners Ferry High School and 2 p.m. at Boundary County Middle School on Wednesday March 26.

“We would like to bring them back up for a community night,” said Stockdale-Woods. “We will also have brochures on the program at the business fair on March 29 at the fairgrounds.”

A statewide survey examining the attitudes and behaviors Idaho teens have toward methamphetamine found that 45 percent of young adults report meth is readily available and 30 percent claim they have been offered the drug, according to a published report.