The University of Houston Wellness Center and U.S. Department of Justice will sponsor a two-hour program detailing the damaging effects of methamphetamine Thursday, Nov. 30.

Donald DeGabrielle, U.S. district attorney, and James Craig, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent in charge, will open the program, which will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University Center’s Cougar Den. The campus community and general public are invited to attend.

Susan Dalterio, senior lecturer at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s department of biology, will address the clinical and pharmacological implications of methamphetamine abuse. Ted Imperato, assistant U.S. attorney, will speak on the legal repercussions of clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing, sales and distribution. Organizers also hope to present a former methamphetamine addict to discuss his or her experiences.

“We think it is important of our students and the rest of the UH community to become aware of the damaging effects of methamphetamine,” said Gail Gillan, UH Wellness Center director. “The drug used to be popular among blue-collar workers, but now it is growing in popularity among young people. It is a highly addictive and dangerous drug.”

The program is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Department of Justice. U.S. Attorneys’ and DEA offices across the country will conduct similar presentations on the same day.

For more information, call 713-743-5430.

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu