"Oklahoma has a mortal enemy, a hometown terrorist who has the goal of stealing and destroying everything good we want for our great state. As the Chief Drug Enforcement Officer for the state of Oklahoma with 21 years experience I have witnessed firsthand this insidious foe named methamphetamine! In 2004, Oklahoma passed landmark legislation with HB 2176 regulating Pseudoephedrine in the fight against clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. This led to a tremendous diminution of the illicit manufacturing of meth. But unfortunately we still have a serious methamphetamine addiction problem in our state.

For several months a group of leaders throughout our state have been building the infrastructure for an upcoming event that will have a historical impact for Oklahoma. Co-Chaired by Oklahoma’s First Lady Kim Henry and Burbridge Foundation President Wes Lane, this compelling methamphetamine awareness project is called Crystal Darkness Oklahoma. It involves a documentary telling real life stories dealing with law enforcement, addiction, and recovery. But most importantly, Crystal Darkness Oklahoma is primarily a message is of hope.

Crystal Darkness Oklahoma will air at 6:30 p.m. January 13, 2009, on almost every television station in Oklahoma, as well as numerous other media sources in the state. This powerful 30-minute program features testimonies of real Oklahomans whose lives have been affected by meth. That evening, community watch parties and focus groups will gather throughout our state as citizens at the grass root level are mobilized to take their communities back from the evil grip of meth.

Call centers utilizing the 211 system can reach experts the night of the airing and days afterwards, assisting in their fight against this formidable foe. Moreover, Oklahoma’s effort is unique; after the initial airing, a Phase Two will begin which will include comprehensive education, intervention, treatment and law enforcement involvement in communities around the state.

I encourage each one of you to visit www.cryskia.rknessoklalioina.qrg and join the faith based community, educators, businesses, private organizations and many other fellow Oklahomans participating in this historical event.

This is a unique opportunity for all of Oklahoma to be involved in one of the greatest single events in the history of our state. We must rent the veil of this destructive drug, which sadly creates havoc in so many lives. But we can only be successful with all of Oklahoman’s participation. If I may borrow from the great coach Vince Lombardi who said, “People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society. “ We have the prescription for success but we are missing the most key ingredient and that is YOU!”

Editor’s Note: In Sequoyah County, the Crystal Darkness program will be held in the commons area of Sallisaw High School and at the Indian Capital Area Technology Center.