Pubdate: Tue, 06 Dec 2005
Source: Sundre Round Up (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Sundre Round Up Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://sundreroundup.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4049
Author: Dan Singleton, Round Up staff

DRUG AWARENESS LECTURE

Greenwood Neighbour-hood Place and Mountain View County are encouraging 
parents, students and anyone else interested to attend a free lecture and 
information session aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of drug abuse 
in the community.

The Truth About Drugs lecture will be made by former Calgary police officer 
Dwayne Peace at the Arts Centre on Dec. 13 starting at 7 p.m.

"Drugs anywhere are a serious problem," Peace told the Round Up. "What we 
are seeing in the rural communities is an increase in the use of meth 
compared to the cities and alcohol is also a problem with youth in rural 
communities. Meth is a very serious drug and will be discussed as will 
other drugs on that evening.

"Today's teens often overlook the dangers they face when using drugs - 
including rape, homelessness, suicide, jail time, and the inability to 
focus or study. The damage drugs inflict is not always obvious - but here 
they discover the real consequences for themselves, their friends and 
family, innocent babies, everyone."

Everyone can benefit from knowing more about drugs and the dangers of 
abuse, said Marita Stermann, coordinator at Greenwood Neighbour-hood Place.

"It will be a good evening," said Stermann. "It would be great if everyone 
came out and heard the information about drug awareness in the community. 
It will show that the community is dealing with the problem and these 
issues, and knowing more about it is the first step.

"We hear about problems and we are no different than any other community. 
It's best to be proactive, which is what we are trying to do with this."
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D