Pubdate: Tue, 02 May 2006 Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC) Copyright: 2006, BC Newspaper Group Contact: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948 Author: Melissa Fryer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) METH FORUMS TARGET YOUTH, FAMILIES A month-long campaign to bring awareness about the dangers of crystal meth use to youth and families begins tomorrow with a community forum at Wellington secondary. Members of Nanaimo's Crystal Meth Task Force have planned a series of forums, advertisements and mail-outs designed to give people information about the dangers of crystal meth use. The task force began in September 2005 with a community forum at McGirr elementary, which saw 325 people attend. The task force hopes to replicate that success with a series of forums throughout May. The first is set for Wellington secondary school tomorrow (May 3) at 7:30 p.m. It will open with a 40-minute presentation on the impact of crystal meth in the community, including health and safety. Then health-care and drug counsellors will provide information about what symptoms indicate crystal meth use and how to get help. "Primarily, we're focussing on prevention," said Jack Doan, former school board trustee and chairman of the task force's education and awareness committees. They encourage parents to attend the forum with their children to help open up communication about crystal meth. "It's the beginning of another conversation," said Sherry Elwood, principal at Cedar secondary. "It gives parents things to talk about with their children." Forums will continue throughout May, including John Barsby secondary on May 10 at 7 p.m., Nanaimo District secondary on May 17 at 7 p.m. and Dover Bay secondary on May 24 at 7 p.m. "Basically, that same presentation will happen every Wednesday throughout May," Elwood said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom