State & Local Government Agencies

National Association of Counties has recognized the threat that substance misuse, especially methamphetamine, poses to community and county safety by placing the reduction of methamphetamine use in their goals.
 

What’s in it for county government?

Collaborating with a coalition to reduce substance misuse increases the likelihood that an effective comprehensive solution will be reached for such a multi-faceted problem. Other benefits include:

Visibility and Public Image – When county government is involved, the public perceives additional importance to the issue. Similarly, county government is perceived as responsive to serious public concerns.

Gain the community perspective of need can result in relevant policy, appropriate infrastructure, effective services and tailored funding options – Working collaboratively with a county coalition, it is possible to build a coutywide infrastructure to more quickly recognize and intervene on methamphetamine use and production by coordinating and building partnerships with other organizations that sell meth ingredients (retailers, pharmacists, agricultural product suppliers) and those that are likely to come in contact with meth production or toxic fumes (realtors, hotel personnel, home repair professions, used car dealers, emergency response, fire and law enforcement).

Enhance economic development – a county that works to reduce substance misuse raises the quality of life for its citizens, and can utilize its resources to attract business and services, increase safety and focus its attention on growth.

Increase public-private partnerships that stretch taxpayer dollars – these partnerships are sustainable, visible and generally effective – a true win/win.

Lending your support to reducing substance misuse will increase the health, safety and quality of life for all citizens in the county, and expand the county’s appeal across the board.

Opportunities For Collaboration