In 2004, Mesa County was facing a meth epidemic. 90 percent of the inmates in the county jail reported they had used meth in the past. In addition a significant number of families involved in the child welfare system were involved with meth. This epidemic affected nearly every agency in the criminal justice system, which drove community leaders to find a solution. In February of 2005, the Mesa County Commissioners officially commissioned the Mesa County Meth Task Force (MTF).   

The MTF conducted research, collected data, and researched best practice, resulting in a logic model based strategic plan. The focus was the implementation of best practices in prevention, enforcement and treatment
leading to reductions of meth addiction, and its destructive consequences. Elected officials and agency leaders in the criminal justice system formed an Executive Committee which gave direction to the Meth Task Force. The work happened in several workgroups which included Enforcement; Treatment; Prevention; Drug Endangered Children; and, Public Outreach and Communication.