ABOUT US


Founded by businessman Thomas M. Siebel as a private-sector response to a critical public health issue, the Meth Project has been cited by the White House as one of the most effective prevention programs and a model for the nation. Named the 3rd most effective philanthropy in the world by Barron’s in its global ranking, the organization has been credited with significant declines in teen Meth use in several states.

METH IN MONTANA

As the solely dedicated Meth prevention program in the state, our efforts are vital to ensuring Montana teens are armed with the facts about Meth. As the drug's supply and purity have intensified over the years, it has only made our work more important. More Montanans are at risk of addiction, violence, overdose, and death.

  • 124% increase in Meth-related crime since 2014.1 From theft to abuse, rape, and human trafficking, Meth is intrinsically tied to crime and violence in our state.
  • 68% of child home removals due to abuse or neglect involve parental drug use; 65% list Meth as the primary drug involved.2
  • 46% of open child welfare cases placing children in foster care have Meth indicated.3

Despite the hurdles, we are reducing teen Meth use:

  • 77% reduction in first-time teen Meth use since our inception4
  • Lowest Native American teen Meth use ever reported5

WHAT IS THE MONTANA METH PROJECT?

The Montana Meth Project is a large-scale prevention program aimed at reducing first-time teen Meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach. Founded by the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation, the Montana Meth Project is a private-sector response to a critical public health issue. The Meth Project has been cited by the White House as one of the most effective prevention programs and a model for the nation.

Central to the integrated, research-based campaign is MethProject.org, a definitive source for information about Meth for teens. MethProject.org is supported by hard-hitting television, radio, print, online, mobile, and social media campaigns that communicate the risks of Meth use.

The Meth Project has been credited with significant declines in Meth use, and was named the 3rd most effective philanthropy in the world by Barron's. Since the Project's launch, teen Meth use has declined 65% in Arizona6, 63% in Montana7, and 56% in Idaho8. Six additional states have / had implemented the Meth Project prevention programs: Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

In Montana, where the program launched in 2005, young people's attitudes toward Meth are changing. Montana teens and young adults have come to view Meth as more dangerous and recognize the Montana Meth Project as a key source of information about the drug.


APPROACH

Every day, people are faced with the decision to try Meth. Many perceive benefits in using the drug, but little to no risk. This is the root of the problem. The goal of the Montana Meth Project is to arm teens and young adults across the state with the facts about methamphetamine so that they can make well-informed decisions when presented with the opportunity to try it.


RESEARCH-BASED MESSAGING CAMPAIGN

The Montana Meth Project conducts extensive statewide surveys and focus group research to more thoroughly understand attitudes and behaviors related to methamphetamine in Montana. This research provides the foundation for The Montana Meth Project's messaging and communication programs.

The Meth Project's campaigns are informed by six years of extensive quantitative and qualitative research with prevention experts and more than 50,000 teens and young adults through 60 national and statewide surveys, and 112 focus groups and have been developed in consultation with top experts in research, prevention, treatment, advertising, and digital media.

The Montana Meth Project's integrated campaign is designed to reduce Meth use by educating teens, early and often, about the risks of the drug. The centerpiece of its research-based campaign is MethProject.org, a definitive source for information about Meth for teens. Through an immersive multimedia experience, MethProject.org addresses teens' most frequently asked questions about the physical, mental, and social impacts of Meth. MethProject.org is supported by hard-hitting television, radio, print, online, mobile, and social media campaigns that graphically communicate the risks of Meth use.

The Meth Project's campaigns have been cited for their uncompromising approach and demonstrated impact, having won 50 awards, including 11 Gold ADDY Awards, 19 Silver ADDY Awards, 2 Gold Effie Awards, and the Cannes Lions Award at the Cannes International Advertising Festival.


1 Department of Corrections Crime Control Bureau. 2018 Crime in Montana Summary.
2 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division, 2019
3 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division, 2019
4 Montana Office of Public Instruction Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2021.
5 Montana Office of Public Instruction Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2021.
6 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Arizona Youth Survey. 2012.
7 Montana Office of Public Instruction. 2011 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey. 2012.
8 Centers for Disease Control. Youth Risk Behavior Survey. 2013.

Leadership

Executive Director

Amy Rue, Executive Director
Amy Rue is the Executive Director of the Montana Meth Project. In that role, Amy directs the Project's fundraising initiatives and works with the Board of Directors to manage media, community awareness, public relations, and public policy programs.

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Board of Directors

Mike Gulledge, Chairman
Mike Gulledge is the former Vice President of Publishing for Lee Enterprises, publisher of the Billings Gazette newspaper. In November 2006, Gulledge was appointed Chairman of the Montana Meth Project. Gulledge resides in Billings, MT.

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Lisa Downs Bullock, Board of Directors
Lisa Downs Bullock is the former First Lady of Montana and serves on the Board of the Lewis & Clark County Community Foundation, an organization that provides financial support to charitable projects in the greater Helena area.

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John W. Parker, Board of Directors
John W. Parker is the Cascade County Attorney who cites Meth as one of the greatest risks to today's teens. He is a vocal advocate for education and prevention programs that keep teens safe and away from the drug. "We need to continue providing leadership in eradicating this horrible drug from our state," he says.

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Major General (ret) John F. (Gene) Prendergast, Board of Directors
Gene Prendergast is Major General (retired) of the Montana National Guard. He believes, "Meth addiction and production is not only a curse in Montana and the United States, but a curse that is running so rampant that it is quickly becoming a priority one society concern."

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Barbara Ranf, Board of Directors
Barbara Ranf is the former Executive Director of State Government Affairs for BNSF Railway Company for Montana and Idaho.

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Teen Council

The Montana Meth Project is seeking leaders, ages 12 to 19, to join our Teen Advisory Council for the school year.

Download the application!

Each year, a dozen teens from both public and private high schools, work together to help prevent Meth use in their community while building organizational and leadership skills.

Partners

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MONTANA METH PROJECT

Thank you for your interest in the Montana Meth Project. For more information on how you can support our work against Meth and Fentanyl, please contact us.

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