Pubdate: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
Source: Airdrie City View (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Airdrie City View Ltd.
Contact:  http://airdriecityview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3202

COMMITTEE FORMED TO COMBAT DRUG USE

A newly formed committee will join together the expertise of local 
service agencies, RCMP members and the public to take a proactive 
approach to combatting drug use in the city.

The Airdrie Community Drug Coalition. has recently been formed in 
response to the country's rising drug abuse problems, and while 
Airdrie may not yet be plagued by widespread use, the coalition aims 
to keep it that way.

Made up of 20 members of the community, including the RCMP, Airdrie 
Emergency Services, AADAC, Airdrie Family Services, Victim Assistance 
Unit, local parents, school principals and a pharmacist, the group is 
one that will work collectively to prevent drug use. A representative 
for Tylenol, who's products can be used to make methamphetamine, was 
also present at the coalition's first meeting to ensure the company 
continues to make itself part of the solution, not the problem.

Airdrie RCMP Cst. Richard Fournier says the coalition is one that 
will act as a long term approach to prevention of drug abuse.

"It's a very, very long term initiative... we want to have a very 
strong base and get it going in the right direction," he said.

While crystal meth is at the top of the agenda for the group, Cst. 
Fournier says it will be dedicated to teaching preventative measures 
for such other drugs as marijuana, crack and cocaine.

Laurelle Condon, addictions counselor for the Airdrie branch of 
AADAC, says that the coalition is not meant to be a band-aid 
approach, but one that will work to protect, prevent and proactively 
combat drug use.

"It's something that will have an effect for the long term," she 
said, "It is a preventative, collective, active approach to 
addressing substance abuse issues.

"Condon says the Airdrie Community Drug Coalition is made up of a 
variety of concerned and educated members who will use their various 
areas of expertise to develop a collective role in the community.

"AADAC's motto is 'stronger together'," she said, "I think the 
feeling is if people work collaboratively, it's more beneficial to 
the entire community.

"Condon adds that they will work with similar groups which have 
formed around the province in an attempt to learn what's worked for 
them and what the next step should be for Airdrie.

"It's about using what's already worked elsewhere and modifying their 
plan to ours," she said.

Cst. Fournier adds that the coalition hopes to be able to meet with 
members of our city's youth to learn even more about the issue from 
those who may be directly effected by it, and adds that the groups' 
goal is to reach out to as many young Airdrie residents as possible.

"Basically, it's to try to reach the kids this year. I think we're 
going in the right direction.

"For more information or to speak with an addictions counselor, 
please call Condon at 912-3306 or AADAC toll free at 1-866-33AADAC.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman