Pubdate: Wed, 31 May 2006 Source: Parry Sound North Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2006, Parry Sound North Star Contact: http://www.parrysoundnorthstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1618 Author: Stephannie Johnson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) ANTI-DRUG GROUP OPEN TO NEW IDEAS AND MEMBERS PARRY SOUND - Based on the number of people that attended the first Helping Addicts Restore Themselves (HART) meeting last fall, HART chair Gail MacDonald says she thought support for the organization was be tremendous. However, along with Ms MacDonald, the three concerned mothers who founded this group say that since its initial meeting last fall, the number of people attending its meetings has steadily dwindled. Additionally, the founders say they were disappointed with the turnout of parents when they brought in former NFL all-star Alvin Powell this spring to give an anti-drug talk to high school students as well as their parents. Through his company Saving Station Foundation, Mr. Powell draws on his own personal struggle with drugs to dissuade young people from getting involved. "We had hundreds of children at those shows who were overwhelmed and loved it. And at the evening shows we had maybe 40 parents," said HART chair Gail MacDonald. "I'm a little frustrated that we didn't get a lot more parents showing up to our meetings." HART's newest board member Jenn Bentley said that parents need to stop pretending that their children aren't affected by drugs, and that there isn't a drug problem in the area. "There's a huge culture of denial in this town and it's not just about drugs. If one child struggles with addiction, it affects us all. And, one is too many to pretend that it's not happening," said Ms Bentley. The anti-drug group wants to bring Mr. Powell back to Parry Sound at some point in the future to conduct a follow-up meeting. "Mr. Powell talks about creating a network around your child that's solid and that works. It's things like every week you have a urine test--it's not maybe you're tested-- you're tested every week. You go to so many 12-step meetings, you go to school, you work part-time, you volunteer," said Ms MacDonald. "We have to look at this problem seriously. I'm still always so amazed that people still say, 'There's a drug problem in this town?' And I think, 'Where have you been.' I'd like to see more parents jump on board, give a damn." HART has been working to bring a detox centre to town, and it also would like to open up a drop-in centre for local youth. Currently, a needs study is being conducted by consultant Peter Dean to determine if the area can support a detox centre. The study is expected to take about eight weeks. He is meeting with stakeholders, including officials from the Community Mental Health and Addiction Outreach agency, and West Parry Sound Health Centre's grants officer John Lee, who will also help to secure provincial and federal funding for the facility. "We need a drop-in centre or a community centre, something for these kids to do other than sit on a bench outside the liquor store," said HART member Ms Bentley. "We're not doing anything to support our kids. How can we expect them to grow if we don't support their needs?" Last year, HART tried to hold a "take back the neighbourhood" event in Parry Sound's harbour, but had to cancel it because of lack of funding. They are interested in hearing any ideas community members may have to make this event a success. Call 774-9111 for more information about HART. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman