Meth Summit is Wednesday at fairgrounds

“This year, it’s going to be more of an open-forum and discussion,” said Randy Bancroft, prevention program coordinator for the Del Norte County Department of Health and Human Services.

The forum will be held in the Arts and Crafts building from 6–8 p.m. and refreshments will be served, according to Bancroft.

The event is designed to help residents better understand the problem of methamphetamine in the community.

One of the speakers is a recovered addict, said Bancroft.

This year, Bancroft said that there will be more informational booths — 15 are planned.

“The Bar-O boys will also be providing refreshments for the event,” said Bancroft.

The California Highway Patrol, Sutter Coast Hospital, the Del Norte chapter of the Tobacco Use Prevention Program, the Crescent City Police, the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office and the Yurok Meth Project are among the agencies sponsoring booths.

Bancroft said the audience will have the opportunity for a question-and-answer session with each speaker, which includes emergency room staff from Sutter Coast Hospital, a city police officer and a representative of the Yurok Tribe.

“We’re going to have a couple of emcees and they’ll introduce each person and how meth affects them or their job,” said Bancroft.

He said one of the most interesting presentations will be from emergency room staff members who will talk about the types of meth-related injuries they see.

Yurok members will explain how meth affects them, especially in the  Klamath community.

The public is invited and the event is free.