Pubdate: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 Source: Guardian, The (CN PI) Copyright: 2007 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated Contact: http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174 Referenced: PEI Youth Substance Use and Addiction Strategy: http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=1020443&lang=E PUBLIC INVITED TO DISCUSS YOUTH ADDICTIONS STRATEGY Three evenings of public consultation are scheduled across P.E.I. this week to discuss the draft P.E.I. Youth Substance Use and Addictions Strategy. The P.E.I. Department of Health has been working closely with a number of government agencies and the public over the past year to research and prepare the report. The draft strategy is now available online for Islanders to review. This week's meetings begin tonight and continue Tuesday and Wednesday. Health Minister Doug Currie says finding a long-term solution for Island youth struggling with addictions is a top priority for government. "We know that early intervention and education are key in helping young people who are tempted to experiment with drugs or alcohol. The strategy will help those who have already gone down that road. Educators, community leaders, parents and family members need to have input on the strategy as we move forward." The sessions are being held tonight in the lecture theatre at Colonel Gray High School in Charlottetown; Dec. 18 at Montague Intermediate School gymnasium; and Dec. 19, at the Three Oaks Senior High School cafeteria in Summerside. All three sessions will begin at 6:45 p.m. and the public will be invited to share their opinions on the draft strategy. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart