Pubdate: Wed, 08 Mar 2006 Source: Omineca Express (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Omineca Express Contact: http://www.ominecaexpress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2141 Author: Allan Wishart Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) CRYSTAL METH FORUM SET It's a problem which has afflicted many communities recently, and Vanderhoof is no exception. On April 27, the Vanderhoof Drug and Alcohol Task Force will host a public forum on crystal meth and crack cocaine at Nechako Valley Secondary. "We're inviting the community to come together," task force member Lisa Striegler says. "Our role is to raise awareness about drug and alcohol abuse in the community." The basic format for the forum would see some basic education on the drugs with different service providers in the community describing how it has affected their clients. Then, people who have experiences with the drugs would share their experiences, followed by an open mike session. "What we want this meeting to do is be a first step towards a planning workshop," Striegler says, "which would provide us with a strategic plan for combatting the drugs." She says funding is available from a number of sources, but the strategic plan is needed before the funds can be accessed. "Headlines Theatre out of Vancouver, who have been up here before with presentations, are doing a mainstage production called Meth, which we are looking to get up here," she added. Further details about the public forum will be available shortly. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin