KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Public Health - Seattle & King County has received a $336,643 federal grant to prevent problems related to Ecstasy (MDMA) and other club drugs. Public Health is one of thirteen organizations nationwide to receive the competitive prevention infrastructure development grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
A recent Partnership Attitude Tracking survey that showed 92% of parents nationwide had heard about Ecstasy, however, only one of every two parents understood what effect Ecstasy had on users and about 60% were unsure what the drug contained. "It's essential that we convey accurate information about Ecstasy and its effects," said City of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.
"We're thrilled that King County is getting new monies directed toward preventing Ecstasy and other club drug use among our youth and young people," said King County Executive Ron Sims.
"Ecstasy is not just a 'feel good' drug. The downside of Ecstasy and other club drugs are health risks, such as heart problems, memory loss and even death," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Some of these drugs are used in date rapes. We've also seen club drugs associated with impaired driving and fatal crashes."
Dr. Plough cited the following as examples of the needs locally:
- Drug Abuse Warning Network data for 2000 show that Seattle had the second highest emergency department mentions of Ecstasy in the nation at 6.5 per 100,000
- Washington State Survey of Adolescent Health Behaviors data for 2000 reveal higher use of "party drugs" among 12th graders in King County (8.9%) compared with Washington State (6.8%)
- Law enforcement agencies' data show increasing arrests for club drug possession and sales.
The grant will focus efforts to stem the use of Ecstasy, or 3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which is a synthetic, psychoactive Schedule I drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties. Other club drugs to be addressed are GHB, inhalants, Rohypnol, ketamine, methamphetamine, and LSD.
Efforts have been initiated to curb club drug use in King County have been hampered by the lack of an adequate infrastructure. To address this limitation, the grant will support a three-pronged strategy. Elements of the strategy include:
- Enhancing local data collection: Public Health will survey youths and young adults in settings such as raves, clubs, youth service centers, and bars, clubs/ and bathhouses frequented by MSM (men having sex with men). Public Health will also work closely with local hospital emergency departments to improve surveillance data processes.
- Preparing prevention materials and delivering programs: High school leaders will receive training about the effects of club drugs as part of the Partners in Prevention project. A club drugs section will be added to Project ALERT, which is a Best Practice curriculum for middle-school students, Public forums will be expanded for parents and community members so they can learn about club drugs and raves.
- Coalition building involving government, community-based organizations, schools, youths and adults. A group will convene to review the project's activities, to recommend actions, and to participate in policy development.
For more information on local alcohol and other drug prevention services visit Public Health's Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program at www.metrokc.gov/health/atodp.
For more information about Ecstasy visit the PDFA's website at www.drugfreeamerica.org or call the toll-free phone number 1-866-XTC-FACTS.
For more information about the SAMHSA-funded grants visit their website at www.samhsa.gov
For information on substance use intervention and treatment, visit the Department of Community and Human Services at www.metrokc.gov/dchs/mhd/dasa.htm or contact the Alcohol/ Drug Helpline at www.adhl.org, 1-800-562-1240 or 206-722-3700. The Helpline also has a clearinghouse with free alcohol/ drug materials, including brochures on Ecstasy.
