Utah Governor’s panel opposes shock ads designed to battle meth use

Montana loves it: Program involves issue funding for prevention versus treatment

If Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. brings Montana’s gritty and controversial methamphetamine prevention campaign to Utah, he’ll do so without the blessing of his own meth task force.

The 34-person task force charged with putting an end to Utah’s "meth scourge" voted unanimously on Monday to pursue some form of public awareness crusade. But they overwhelmingly rejected the Montana model, saying it targets the wrong population and cuts against years of prevention research showing scare tactics doesn’t work.

The Montana Meth Project is a shock-and-awe style ad blitz depicting the ugly underbelly of methamphetamine use. TV, radio and billboard spots feature dramatized and real-life testimonials from teens whose innocent forays into meth use end in crime, prostitution, unwanted pregnancies and homelessness. The take home message: "not even once."

By Kirsten Stewart
The Salt Lake Tribune

Full Story: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_4064577?source=rss