craigdailypress.com

Craig isn't the only Western Slope community trying to come to grips with methamphetamine.

"We did a focus group in Northwest Colorado, and the biggest request from teachers to nurses was to have more information on methamphetamine," said Kelli Kessell of the Western Colorado Area Health Education Center.

The addictive nature of meth use and its treatment options is the focus of a day's seminar included in a three-day education conference offered by the Western Colorado Area Health Education Center.

Kessell said the group has reserved two rooms and will offer back-to-back sessions of a talk scheduled from 9:45 to 12:15 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Hotel Grand Junction. Dr. Nick Taylor of Montrose is the scheduled speaker.

Taylor, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified addictions counselor, is well known for his research regarding methamphetamine abuse in rural communities. He's watched his community go through trials and tribulations regarding escalating meth use and has been involved with some creative approaches to solving the problem.

A panel discussion about meth is slated to follow Taylor's speech.

Craig's Marilyn Bouldin, who is a board member of Western Colorado AHEC, said the annual conference usually is well-attended and an invaluable tool to further education on the Western Slope.

"I really encourage people to attend," she said. "I'm sure it will be good quality."

The conference, dubbed the Annual Winter School on Addictions and Behavioral Health, kicks off Feb. 20 at the Marks Adams Hotel. It runs through Feb. 23, and registration for the whole event or individual sessions is required.

Lt. John Forgay of the Craig Police Department said the event might be good for people to attend who are in the position of helping people overcome meth addictions.

"It's pretty clear there are no easy answers," he said. "It's good for people who want to understand the problem."

Other topics of sessions during the three-day event include suicide prevention, behavior change theories, domestic violence and the social norm theory.

Attendance at the conference can provide credits toward workers in the human services professions, Kessell said.