Feds launch new national campaign to curb meth use in Indian Country

Ad campaign targets meth use in Indian Country

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Federal officials are launching a national advertising campaign aimed at curbing methamphetamine use in American Indian communities.

The director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske, unveiled the campaign Wednesday in Albuquerque. He was joined by Assistant Interior Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk, New Mexico Indian Affairs Secretary Alvin Warren and others.

Kerlikowske says data about meth use in Indian County is troubling, and the campaign will help supplement prevention and treatment work being done by the Native American community and law enforcement.

The campaign will target New Mexico and 14 other states with large Indian populations.

Officials say meth use rates for Native Americans remains among the highest of any ethnicity.