A local non-profit organization that takes aim at substance abuse is looking to change its name and its scope in the near future.

Doris Cook, chairman of the Dawson County Meth Task Force, said the group is looking to “focus on more than just meth ... we want it to be about prevention, education and resources for all types of substance abuse.”

The group, which is currently an initiative of Family Connection, has a 12-member board. Board members hold the office for one- to three-year increments.

Volunteers organize events, such as health fairs, that teach the dangers of substance abuse.

Cook said the two-year-old organization “wants to remind families that addiction does not discriminate. It doesn’t matter how young, old, rich or poor ... it never discriminates.”

Added Cook: “Parents and all family members should be alert and aware and do whatever they can to intervene ... we need to educate kids so that they never try these substances even once.”

Cook said the organization was modeled after a similar program in White County.

“They met with us a couple times and talked to us about their program,” she said. “It was something we wanted to consider locally.”

She said Meth Task Force is growing. “We hope to continue to make strides in the community,” Cook said. “We’re moving forward.”

According to its Web site, Meth Task Force aims to “make this county a safer place for our children and a better home for all citizens.”

For more information about the group, visit www.methtaskforcedawsoncounty.com.