KIDS & COPS offers a great opportunity to dramatically improve the health of our whole community. As doctors, we see first hand the destructive health consequences of drug use and abuse, including drug and alcohol related auto accidents, spread of infectious disease, teen pregnancy, child abuse and domestic violence.

A recent Salem news story reported that two children were found living in a home containing gallons of the chemicals used to cook up methamphetamine. We treat children every day whose health is compromised by the sheer proximity to powerful drugs, and we are deeply concerned about the effects of the meth epidemic. By supporting measure 24-117, we are advocating for the improved health of our children, their parents and the community as a whole.

• The KIDS portion of this measure is strategically aimed at the critical pre- and early-adolescent age when there is a distinct window of opportunity to prevent drug and alcohol use, juvenile crime, and teen pregnancy.

• The COPS portion of Measure 24-117 targets the serious methamphetamine problem in Salem by putting 24 additional police officers on the streets to protect our children, families and community members from the disastrous effects of methamphetamine trade.

Let’s unite Salem and put ourselves on the road to recovery with a renewed commitment to a healthy community by:

VOTING YES ON MEASURE 24-117.

R. Bingham, M.D. J. Mike Gilbert, M.D. Cheryl Lugenbill,M.D.

M. Bennington-Davis, M.D. Sid I. Green, M.D. LaurenMcNaughton,M.D.

Frederick G. Cook, M.D. Warren L. Griffin, M.D. William C. Pierce, M.D.

B. Dayton, M.D. Lance G. Loberg, M.D.

(This information provided by Rick Bingham, M.D. Salem Area Doctors)