Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Parksville Qualicum Beach News Contact: http://www.pqbnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361 Author: Councillor Ruth Layne, Township of Esquimalt Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) There is good help for meth parents As a founding member of the new Crystal Meth Victoria Society (CMVS), I read the June 17 story "Crystal Meth - Often Free" with great sadness. The parents' heartbreak of trying to deal with this poison called meth and seeing their child slide down a very dangerous slope is sadly all too familiar. Trying to gather information and resources, including treatment options, is often a daunting and exhausting task. This reality led to the formation of the society. The efforts of CMVS far exceed the bounds of Victoria. We are assembling a task force of people and organizations with the drive and expertise to battle this menace, similar to the successful task force in Maple Ridge. We will lobby both senior governments to take immediate action. We will lobby the provincial government to implement the recommendations of their own report released August, 2004, Crystal Meth and Other Amphetamines, An Integrated BC Strategy. This strategy lays out action plans including increased public awareness and education; controlled access to over-the-counter ingredients needed for the manufacture of meth; increased treatment options; identifying key at risk groups; increasing skills of service providers; and reducing individual harm. You can view the original document and the six month progress report of April, 2005 at: www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca using the search words crystal meth". You can also find helpful information, a confidential forum and direct links to resources by visiting the CMVS website at: www.crystalmethbc.ca. The society is made up of parents just like the ones in your community - ones that were tired of talk and are demanding answers for their children and loved ones. Above all else, please do not give up hope for your child. Hope will guide you and give you strength. Councillor Ruth Layne Township of Esquimalt - --- MAP posted-by: Beth