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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom