Photo courtesy of Hawaii Meth Project.
By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– In observance of National Methamphetamine Awareness Day, recognized annually to highlight efforts to increase awareness of this highly addictive drug, the Hawaii Meth Project hosted awareness events statewide to educate the community and teens about the dangers and devastating effects of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice.”
Governor Neil Abercrombie issued an official proclamation by naming November 30, 2012 as Methamphetamine Awareness Day in Hawaii. Governor Abercrombie “urges all of our residents, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools to join the Hawaii Meth Project’s efforts in raising awareness about the dangers of this drug. ” Some suggestions on how to get the word out include going to MethProject.org and sharing a piece of content through Facebook, tweeting “NotEvenOnce”, or showing a teen one of the videos on MethProject.org.
OAHU
On Oahu, the Hawaii Meth Project partnered with Washington Middle School’s leadership class to host anti-Meth sign waving in front of the school and a Meth awareness assembly attended by more than 800 students. The event featured a former Meth addict who shared his personal story about Meth, performances by rapper Cultcha Shoc, a special demonstration by Hawaii entertainer Kalani Ahmad, who rose to fame through the NBC television show “America’s Got Talent,” and Meth fact games and giveaways.
Well-known local street artist Katch 1 created an aerosol art piece in front of the student body. His large-scale mural will be featured in the Meth Project’s “Take a Stand Against Meth” art display at the Hawaii State Capitol from January 8 to March 22, 2013 and at Honolulu Hale (City Hall) from March 25 to April 12, 2013. To learn more about “Take a Stand Against Meth” or to enter, visit www.MethProject.org/action/hawaii.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Meth Project.
BIG ISLAND
Waiakea High School students on the Big Island wore white as part of “White Out Meth,” an event organized by Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council member Kayla Yamada, to promote Meth awareness and prevention. The “White Out Meth” lunch rally included a special appearance and presentation by Mayor Billy Kenoi, educational games and giveaways, live music by DJ Frizel, and the opportunity for students to sign a pledge to “White Out Meth.” Big Island aerosol artist Derek Ishii painted a large-scale mural inspired by the Hawaii Meth Project’s “Not Even Once” message named, “Life After Meth.” The pledge and mural will also be featured in the “Take a Stand Against Meth” art display.
KAUAI
On the island of Kauai, Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council members Jordan Balbin, Bryson Cayaban, and Mae Ortega, and 30 of their peers from Kapaa High School took a visible stand against Meth and sent a strong message to their community by sign waving near the school.
MAUI
Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council members Oksana Girl and Rachel Nguyen spoke to the student body at Seabury Hall on Maui about the dangers and devastating effects of crystal methamphetamine.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Meth Project.
About the Hawaii Meth Project
The Hawaii Meth Project is a non-profit organization that implements large-scale, research-based campaigns and community action programs to reduce methamphetamine use in the state. Central to its integrated campaigns is MethProject.org-a definitive source for information about Meth for teens. The Hawaii Meth Project is affiliated with the Meth Project, a national non-profit organization headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., aimed at significantly reducing Meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach. For more information, visit HawaiiMethProject.org.