A Washington woman is being recognized for her work in shutting down 41 meth houses across the state through a group she founded called "Lead On America," the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Jan. 30.

Susan York of Snohomish is one of a dozen nominees for the Reader's Digest "Hero of the Year" award. York, dubbed "Agent Pink," organized neighbors to uproot a meth-dealing operation that set up shop in her suburban cul-de-sac, then expanded her campaign to help fight meth houses in other communities. "She's been very effective," said Detective Mark Thomas of the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force. "She fills a gap by providing a bridge from law enforcement to citizens who are being tormented by these criminal elements in their neighborhoods."

"I don't judge people," York said. "But when someone is putting my life in danger, I do something."

Lead On America works with police to help local residents set up neighborhood watch programs, which gather information on strangers in the area (like license plate numbers and car make and model)  that can be used to initiate police action against suspected meth houses. "[York is] the first person I call when we get word of a new problem house," said Deputy Bud McCurry of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. "She's a really valuable resource for us."

York, who has a family history of addiction, including meth use, has paid a price for her passion: she gave up her job and separated from her husband, and uses her own money to help finance Lead On America.