Search Newsroom

Campaign will air 30-minute documentary in January detailing meth abuse in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY - Leaders from across Oklahoma on Monday announced Crystal Darkness Oklahoma, a campaign aimed at tackling methamphetamine abuse in the state. The campaign's co-chairs, Oklahoma First Lady Kim Henry and former Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane, said a 30-minute documentary will air on every Oklahoma television station at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13.

''While we have taken the fight directly to methamphetamine in Oklahoma, we know families across the state still struggle with this powerful drug,'' Henry said. ''Crystal Darkness Oklahoma will highlight education, prevention, recovery and hope to let folks know that their life can get back on track.''

Lane said as a prosecutor he enjoyed watching families beat meth addition and improve their lives.

''Crystal Darkness Oklahoma will prevent families from hitting rock bottom and also lift those up who have already reached that point,'' Lane said. ''In many cases, it's simply a matter of reaching out to those in need and providing them with the tools to recover.''

The campaign is modeled after similar programs in Nevada, California, Oregon and Arizona. It is aimed at increasing meth awareness, as well as providing treatment and law enforcement assistance to communities - large and small - across Oklahoma. The documentary will feature gripping testimonials that graphically portray the devastating impact meth has had on families and communities across Oklahoma.

Although state agencies, counseling experts and law enforcement are contributing to Crystal Darkness Oklahoma, Henry and Lane said the campaign will not be successful without help from the public. They called on schools, places of worship, civic clubs, cities and towns to host watch parties during the documentary's airing to bring neighbors together to engage in honest discussions about problems facing each community. Oklahomans can go to www.crystaldarknessoklahoma.org to schedule their own watch party. Oklahomans will call 211 the night of the documentary and the days following to receive aid in their fight against meth.

After the documentary's airing on Jan. 13, Phase Two of Crystal Darkness Oklahoma will begin. Phase Two will include help for targeted communities across Oklahoma. These communities will receive seed money to start anti-meth campaigns of their own. These communities will be selected by how badly help is needed.

''Oklahoma took a historic step forward by passing the country's toughest anti-meth legislation and numerous states followed,'' Henry said. ''Despite our best efforts, the meth epidemic still robs Oklahoma youth of their future and replaces it with despair. Crystal Darkness Oklahoma has the power to ignite a grassroots movement and gives Oklahomans the chance to make a difference in their own community.''

What other leaders are saying:
''The collaboration between law enforcement, state government and the people is critical if we are to meet this crisis head on. I hope this program will prompt family discussions about the effects of methamphetamine, and that those discussions prevent more Oklahomans from using this deadly drug.'' Attorney General Drew Edmondson

''The Crystal Darkness Campaign has the prescription for success. It is a comprehensive collaboration of all the needed elements to secure a formidable fight against an insidious foe. Methamphetamine robs Oklahoma of the good and replaces it with havoc and despair. As the Chief Drug Enforcement officer for the state of Oklahoma I have committed the full force of assets of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics to support this campaign and do all we can to secure its long term success. We can make a difference if we work together.'' R. Darrell Weaver, Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

''The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is proud to offer its support of this worthy project. Methamphetamine is an insidious drug that continues to unmercifully ruin the lives of its users. It adversely affects families, friends and innocent people; people like Trooper Nik Green, father of three young daughters, who was brutally murdered by a user on a cold December morning in 2003. Many continue to feel the ripple effect of that tragic night and of many other incidents involving the deadly drug. It is our duty to continue to educate ourselves and our citizens as we strive to rid its use through stringent enforcement. This program will expose the extremely addictive nature of methamphetamine, and it will provide a user-friendly interactive resource for its viewers that we believe will produce phenomenal results.'' Kevin Ward, Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety

''There is a tremendous ministry potential in this crucial area of need that faith communities are uniquely positioned to serve. With its expansive collaboration of community and government groups, The Crystal Darkness campaign offers the faith community a chance to make a difference across the state.'' Robin Jones, Director of the State Office of Faith Based & Community Initiatives

About Crystal Darkness Oklahoma: Crystal Darkness Oklahoma is a coalition of Oklahomans working together to stop methamphetamine in our state. Meth has affected us all whether we know it or not. Now is the time to fight back. For more information, visit www.crystaldarknessoklahoma.org.