A summit aimed at fighting methamphetamine drug use will be held Nov. 16 at Western Carolina University

Winning the War on Methamphetamine: A Multidimensional Approach is intended as a strategy session for people with a role in fighting meth, from detectives and deputies to social workers and media reporters.

Meth is derived from a mixture of household chemicals and over-the-counter drugs and injected into the blood stream, in effect poisoning the body in exchange for a short-lived and addictive high. Meth is so rampant that there are 3,500 cases backlogged in Western North Carolina because the courts and drug labs canÕt process them fast enough.

Methamphetamine is often known as the devilÕs drug because it is so addictive and damaging to people taking it, said Gordon Mercer, director of WesternÕs Public Policy Institute, which is hosting the event. Our summit will deal with education programs, methamphetamine prevention, medical and social service problems, and ending the plague of methamphetamine laboratories and distribution systems.

Some of the speakers and topics include:

¥ Dealing with the Meth Problem, N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper.

¥ Past lessons and Future Challenges, N.C. Sen. and former judge John Snow, D-Murphy.

¥ CherokeeÕs Community-Based Program of Drug Prevention, Chief Michell Hicks.

¥ Meth Effects on Children, Dr. Cynthia Brown of Mission Hospital.

¥ Education: Macon County Reality Check 101, Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland

Cost of the summit is $25 and includes lunch, refreshments and materials. Display space also is available. To register, contact the Public Policy Institute at 828.227.2086 or 828.227.2249 or email mer-cer@email.wcu.edu.