Pubdate: Fri, 20 Jan 2006
Source: Interlake Spectator, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2006 The Interlake Spectator
Contact:  http://www.interlakespectator.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2164
Author: John Coward
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

PHARMACIES PART OF CRYSTAL METH STRATEGY

In the battle to stem the increased use and production of crystal meth in
the province, the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association voted unanimously at a
Special General Meeting held Jan. 4 to change the definition of a drug to
include all single entity pseudoephedrine products.

The move will require pharmacies to move single ingredient
pseudoephedrine products, such as Sudafed Decongestant 12-hour caplet,
Nondrowsy Regular Strength Contac Cold medication and 15 others,
behind the counter to restrict public access.

The new regulations, which took effect Jan.15, state that a pharmacist
may only sell these products from a licensed dispensary following a
discussion between the pharmacist and the patient. The regulation also
restricts the marketing of pseudoephedrine to licensed pharmacies only.

Non-pharmacy retailers were required to pull these products from their
shelves by Jan.15.

The tighter controls around distribution of these drugs are only one
of the steps being taken to restrict the production and supply of
crystal meth, according to Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald.

A three-year $6.7-million mental health and addictions strategy,
announced in December, will include additional training for frontline
workers to deal with crystal meth and other addictions .

The Interlake Regional Health Authority announced Jan. 16 that a new
drug strategy program will be put in place to focus on at-risk youth.
The 30-month project will be under the direction of Blair Robillard,
newly-appointed Teen Health Facilitator.

Robillard brings to the post more than 15 years of experience dealing
with youth-directed programming and community development in Winnipeg.

"We will be meeting with youth towards the end of January and into
February to develop plans based on their needs and perspectives,"
Robillard said.

Last December, Conservative Justice critic Kelvin Goertzen, said the
NDP plan falls short of what is needed.

Goertzen says the plan fails to address the need for more detox
facilities, more in-patient addiction beds and more youth
stabilization facilities.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin