Pubdate: Fri, 04 Mar 2005
Source: Winkler Times (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005 Winkler Times
Contact:  http://www.winklertimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2167
Author: Ellie Reimer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUG USE, ABUSE A COMMUNITY ISSUE

It's not anyone's favourite topic. It's a topic that's not easy to discuss.

However, Connie Driedger, chair of the Garden Valley Collegiate school 
advisory council says drug abuse is a topic that must be discussed in Winkler.

"The fact is drug abuse affects everyone," said Driedger. "Kids are 
stealing, and much of that money goes to buy drugs. Kids are using drugs, 
and it affects every aspect of their lives, now, maybe forever. And, even 
if our kids are not using drugs themselves, there's always the influence. 
There's always the pressure."

To open what they're hoping will be a community-wide discussion, the 
advisory council is hosting a drug awareness evening at the Collegiate on 
Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Presentions will come from the Addictions Foundation, the Winkler and 
Morden police services, and a parent who has experience dealing with a 
child on drugs.

The program will include information on the different kinds of drugs 
available to kids, the signs to watch for and the paraphernalia used in 
doing drugs, and the resources .

After the initial presentations, opportunity will be given to join 
break-out sessions with each of the presenters, in three 20-minute sessions.

"That will give them the opportunity to ask questions and talk on a more 
one-on-one basis," said Driedger.

Organizers are hoping to achieve several objectives at this meeting.

"We want to emphasize it's a community problem, not just a problem for 
those people dealing directly with drug abuse," said Driedger.

"We want the community to know it's here in our community, it's not just 
'out there somewhere' and the discussion must come from within the 
community. And we want to show our support for parents whose children are 
using drugs."

Driedger says it's vital for the community to stand together to fight the 
evil of drug abuse.

"We need to fight this as a community, not just as individuals. And, just 
because my kids may not be having a problem with drug abuse doesn't mean I 
can't or shouldn't help those parents whose kids are," she said.

It's also important to get the information out to younger students and 
their parents.

"They tell us that preventive measures are almost too late in high school," 
said Driedger. "Most kids who get involved with drugs get into them at the 
junior high level."

Given the division's 3,000 plus students, the high school gym should be 
packed with concerned parents. And that would be an organizers' dream come 
true, says Driedger.

"It's everyone's problem," she said. "If even one suffers (from drug 
abuse), we all suffer."Driedger says it's vital for the community to stand 
together to fight the evil of drug abuse.

"We need to fight this as a community, not just as individuals. And, just 
because my kids may not be having a problem with drug abuse doesn't mean I 
can't or shouldn't help those parents whose kids are," she said.

It's also important to get the information out to younger students and 
their parents.

"They tell us that preventive measures are almost too late in high school," 
said Driedger. "Most kids who get involved with drugs get into them at the 
junior high level."

Given the division's 3,000 plus students, the high school gym should be 
packed with concerned parents and grandparents. And that would be an 
organizers' dream come true, says Driedger.

"It's everyone's problem," she said. "If even one suffers (from drug 
abuse), we all suffer."
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