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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 12, 2007
CONTACT: Gib Sudbeck, 605.773.3123
Face Facts: Meth Makes You Ugly
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds announced today the “Face Facts: Meth Makes You Ugly” campaign first introduced in South Dakota in 2006 will continue to be used to educate the public and especially our youth on the harmful and addictive effects of methamphetamines.
Beginning on Monday, April 16, 2007, the message will be sent out across the state by way of television and radio commercials that meth use makes you ugly, inside and out, and that meth use destroys relationships, your health and your life.
“Individuals that use meth run the risk of experiencing major medical, psychological, legal and job-related problems,” said Gov. Rounds. “Not only does methamphetamine pose serious and potentially deadly risk to the user, clandestine methamphetamine labs pose a serious risk to those who inadvertently come into contact with the chemicals used in its production. High concentrations of the chemicals can cause severe health problems, including lung damage and burns.”
“The timing of these messages is especially important now around proms, graduations and during the summer months,” said Jerry Hofer, Secretary of the Department of Human Services. “The goal is to stop teens from making poor choices in their lives.”
Gov. Rounds began the campaign in April 2006 when “Face Facts” banners were sent to every middle and high school in South Dakota. Gov. Rounds followed up with a series of personal visits to South Dakota schools to spend time with students discussing how meth destroys their bodies and minds. Information on meth prevention was also made available during the South Dakota State Fair.
As a follow-up to the governor’s visits to schools, classroom meth prevention presentations have been made available to all schools in the state. To date, almost 150 classroom presentations have been scheduled in state high schools and middle schools by MAPP-SD staff and South Dakota Prevention Network staff.
For more information on the “Face Facts: Meth Makes You Ugly” campaign, visit:
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*Media will be able to view the spot at www.mappsd.org. Click on: METHSPACE VIDEO.