Pubdate: Mon, 10 Feb 2003
Source: Camrose Canadian (CN AB)
Author: Amanda Kuttnick
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

FORUM INFORMS PARENTS

The Drug Force Response Task Force is will continue to educate students, 
parents and the community about the dangers of drug use.

The second public forum was held at CCHS Jan. 30 with about 100 parents in 
attendance.

Chairman of the response team Kerry Laberge was pleased with the outcome. 
The meeting focused on parents and how they can keep their children drug free.

"Everybody walked away with something of value," he said following the forum.

The forums he said are not only an educational avenue but also an 
opportunity for dialogue.

The task force will re-group following the Jan. 30 presentation to decide 
their next move.

For parents who are unable to attend the public forums, Laberge suggests 
calling AADAC for immediate assistance.

Not only are Camrose students being educated about the dangers of crystal 
meth so are students in the surrounding area. In total 18 rural schools 
will participate in the discussions.

Students in Grades 4 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 will learn about the dangers 
of drug use.

"We're also doing an evening presentation for parents and community members."

Aside from presentations, the task force is preparing a handbook, which 
will be utilized by frontline workers to assist in the screening, 
assessment, referral and treatment of individuals struggling with substance 
abuse.

Caring cards have also been created and distributed to schools for youth to 
access if they have a friend struggling with substance abuse.

With the task force's hard work and dedication to the project, the province 
is looking at what they've accomplished as a model for other communities to 
follow.
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MAP posted-by: Jackl