Work Ethic Camp in position to battle meth addiction

A startling headline has alerted the McCook community about the possibility of a valuable new program for the Work Ethic Camp, which is located in McCook. The headline, which appeared at the top of Saturday's North Platte Telegraph, exclaimed, "McCook May Get Meth Center."

That, indeed, was startling news. However, it was not until the 14th paragraph of the Associated Press article that readers received the part of the report pertaining to McCook. The news was that a study, commissioned by the Nebraska Legislature, recommends "more meth treatment professionals throughout the state, an increased use of the McCook work ethic camp for meth addicts, and ongoing research on the effectiveness of treatment programs."

At this point, it's only a study. Action will not come unless the state lawmakers use the study recommendations for a legislative proposal which is passed into law and endorsed by the governor. However, it is a compliment for the Work Ethic Camp to be considered worthy of such a responsibility.

In its short history, the Work Ethic Camp has faced many questions and challenges, including a legislative proposal to close the facility. But, with great support from the McCook community, WEC has withstood the detractors and established a reputation as a quality program which is making a difference in the lives of young offenders.

A program to help those with meth problems would be a tremendous added responsibility. This is shown by a statement in the Associated Press article, which declares: "Meth is a growing problem in Nebraska, as evidenced by data that showed the number of people admitted for meth in Nebraska exceeds the national average."

In 1992, 5.5 per 100,000 people in Nebraska were admitted for drug abuse. That jumped nearly 20 times to 99.1 per 100,000 in 2003. The national average that year was less than half that at about 40 admissions per 100,000, according to the AP article.

The study also recommends transforming the Norfolk Regional Center into a treatment site for methamphetamine addicts. This would be an excellent use of that facility, as would a treatment program at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook.

The Nebraska Legislature was wise to look into the meth problem. It's taking a terrible toll in the addiction of young adults. Treatment programs in Norfolk and McCook are excellent suggestions, and should be given serious consideration for passage in the next legislative session