The National American Indian Housing Council on Wednesday said it is expanding its methamphetamine training program and launching a new crime prevention and safety program.

NAIHC currently offers training to tribes on how to deal with meth abusers and clean up property used for meth labs. The program is expanding due to heightened tribal interest, officials said.

"The production and use of meth is a danger not only to the individual doing it, but to the entire community surrounding them," said NAIHC Chairman Chester Carl, the head of the Navajo Nation's housing authority. "NAIHC wants to provide tribal communities with the tools to combat this growing problem. This problem, if not addressed properly, robs our Native American youth of their future."

Jay Barton, a 17-year law enforcement veteran, was hired by NAIHC to handle the tribal response. He will develop new courses to help tribes address meth use in Indian Country.

NAIHC is also developing new courses to track criminal activity in Indian housing. The organization says more accurate data is needed to deal with meth and other criminal problems and to work with local, state and federal authorities.

Relevant Links:
National American Indian Housing Council - http://naihc.net

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