Gary Salzman-KTVB

Gov. Butch Otter is joined by Idaho law enforcement officers to kick off the "March Against Meth" campaign.

BOISE -- If your child hasn't heard about meth, they just might, thanks to a statewide campaign to educate children about the drug.

Soon every student between grades 5 though 8 in Idaho will know the evils of meth.

This effort is part of a new statewide campaign to stop the use of the drug.  

Governor Butch Otter signed a proclamation today designating the month of March as "March Against Meth."

It signifies a coordinated effort to fight meth with law enforcement, judicial and local government authorities, as well as private-sector partners.

Newly on board is the Idaho Sheriffs' Association and already the group is busy trying to reduce meth use. 

The sheriffs' association is using an approach to educate young people about meth that has been successful in Montana.  Brochures have been printed to be distributed across the state.

"What it is we are targeting 5, 6, 7, 8th grade classes and we have approximately 25,000 pamphlets going out to all the schools," said Washington County Sheriff Marvin Williams.

Williams says that's the age where many kids end up trying meth.

As part of the project, students will be able to participate in a poster contest and will learn more about the effects of meth though the program. 

Williams says the measure of the success of anti-meth efforts will be seen in local jails. 

Up to 85 percent of inmates are behind bars in connection to meth use.

Another way to fight meth is by making plans to sit down with your family Friday night at 7 p.m.

NewsChannel 7 conducted over 40 interviews to bring you a comprehensive one-hour documentary called, "Life or Meth."

See and hear the reality of meth addiction in our state, told by those who know it best, from Idahoans in recovery to community leaders struggling with the cost.