Pubdate: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 Source: Campbell River Mirror (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Campbell River Mirror Contact: http://www.campbellrivermirror.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1380 Author: Grant Warkentin Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) HELP NEEDED FROM CITY IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE It's A Tough Fight, Battling Drug And Alcohol Abuse In Campbell River. "We see children born addicted to heroin or brain-damaged by prenatal exposure to alcohol. We see children removed from homes where alcohol and drug use prevents their families from taking loving and safe care of them. We see young teens, at middle school and high school, using drugs and alcohol as a recreational activity and soon facing the negative consequences that often arise from such choices," says a report from the Community Alcohol and Drug Action Committee (CADAC) to council. "Many members of our community, including those directly affected by the misuse of drugs and alcohol, want this change too. It isn't easy and it isn't fast, but the potential for a better community for all makes the hard worth it." And CADAC could really use the city's help. "We felt the city was a very important part of making this happen for us," Denise Krivokuca told council Monday night, speaking on behalf of CADAC's chair Gus Papagiannis. The community organization asked council for formal support, both in words and in dollars - the organization asked council for $5,000 per year to sustain its programs. "CADAC does not have any funding to operate and exists on the determination and commitment of its members to take action and motivate others in the community to become involved," says CADAC's report. Council referred the financial request to the city's newly-created commission which reviews financial aid requests from community organizations. However, council did pass a resolution supporting the organization; appointed a councillor to be part of the committee; and agreed to put a link to the organization on the city's website. CADAC was created in 2002 to find solutions to Campbell River's drug and alcohol abuse problems. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom