October 28, 2005

For Inmediate Release

Contact: Eddie Martinez, 323 257-1056 Ext 28


AIDS Community Organizes to Counter Crystal Meth Threat

Community leaders, concerned citizens, AIDS education and prevention providers, and Assemblyman Paul Koretz come together to shine a light on an epidemic that is devastating the gay community and contributing to higher rates of HIV infection.

Los Angeles, CA - Alarmed at the growth in crystal meth use, and the risky sexual behaviors and HIV infections tied to the drug, a coalition of local leaders, AIDS service providers and business people came together on Thursday, October 27th to demand a greater response from the community and government. With a gathering of 200 invited guests at MJs in Silverlake, The Act Now Against Meth coalition announced they will launch a petition drive demanding a stronger and more effective response to the crystal meth epidemic.

The Act Now Against Meth coalition includes Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team, The Wall-Las Memorias Project, Van Ness Recovery House, MSR, Midtowne Spa, Being Alive, IN Los Angeles Magazine, and BiLatinMen.com.

The petition makes several demands, including increased funding for methamphetamine education, prevention and treatment, as well as better cooperation among HIV/AIDS, mental health, substance abuse and sexually transmitted disease programs and agencies that address part, but not all, of the problems created by methamphetamines.

Crystal meth is not being discussed in the gay community and theres no reason we shouldnt talk about it, Richard Zaldivar, president/founder of The Wall-Las Memorias Project, and the primary organizer of the coalition.

We have to educate ourselves about this drug, and we must talk about it and take action. Otherwise, crystal meth addiction has the potential to set us back decades in the fight against AIDS.

Public policy makers are also expressing alarm at the effects crystal meth addiction and are looking at a variety of measures. Many have expressed an interest in working with the coalition.

Crystal meth is fueling a wildfire of HIV infections and human tragedy across the state, said Assembly Member Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood). Koretz is author of AB 283, which would which curb crystal methamphetamine production and use in California through purchase controls on the tablet form of pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in meth production.

From the grassroots to the State Capitol, we have to work together, said Koretz.

One tactic alone will not stop crystal meth. We need to focus on education, intervention and treatment as well stopping production of this drug.

The link between methamphetamine use and risky sexual behaviors is well known. For example, the State of California recently reported at the first National Conference on Methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis in Salt Lake City this year that methamphetamine injectors report more risky sexual behaviors than other injectors.

Crystal meth, one of the common names for methamphetamines, is an incredibly powerful drug. Some researchers have used a military metaphor to describe the drug: If cocaine can be thought of as a conventional weapon, crystal meth is like a nuclear weapon

We dont expect the government to solve this problem by itself -- we need the communitys help and support just as much, said Eddie Martinez, associate director of The Wall Las Memorias who leads the organizations Ya Basta! (Enough already!) program for men.
Crystal meth is a community issue, and it requires a community response. But the community will need the partnership of government.

The Act Now Against Meth Coalition intends to gather 10,000 signatures for the petition in the coming months.