In 2006 a group of diverse leaders shared with each other how methamphetamine was causing rising crime rates, driving criminal caseloads, destroying families, harming children, and impacting our health care system. It was clear that law enforcement cannot solve a community's drug problem alone and that working together would be more affective.
Thus, MATFORCE was born and through a series of town halls, we reached out to communities across the county asking for new ways to combat drugs. We quickly expanded our mission from methamphetamine to all substances of abuse, including alcohol and marijuana.
Many amazing advocates have joined our effort, including people like Bob Farster, who became an integral member of our Speakers Bureau, sharing his personal struggle with drugs and recovery.
Today, MATFORCE consists of a wide network of people who participate in our many work groups, united in raising awareness about the harms of drugs and committed to our vision of working together to reduce substance abuse in Yavapai County. Every voice is welcome to our table. Check out our many programs and find an area to get involved!
Sincerely,
Sheila Polk, Yavapai County Attorney
Founder & Chair of MATFORCE
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