Pubdate: Wed, 27 Jun 2007 Source: Revelstoke Times Review (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 Bowes Publishers Contact: http://www.revelstoketimesreview.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2139 Author: Melissa Jameson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) METH TASK FORCE NEEDS NEW HEAD Funding may be at an end for the Crystal Meth Task Force, but it seems the public is interested in more education. "There's a lot of interest from the task force to continue on, maybe as a substance abuse committee," said Karley Trauzzi, who headed up the task force. Comments from a recent public forum on crystal meth show that the public is also interested in learning more. Those who responded said they were interested in more awareness of crystal meth for children, learning how to talk to friends and family members that may be exposed to the drug, and on having more forums. "There has been some talk about a forum series on substance abuse," said Trauzzi. "I think some people really want more information. To continue we would need more community support." However, in order for any substance abuse task force or forum series to go forth, there would be a need for additional funding. The original Crystal Meth Task Force was funded by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities in June 2006. The project included a public awareness and education campaign, and development of solutions within the community. Throughout the past year the task force aE" which consisted of 15 members from various organizations in the community aE"A has brought the issue of crystal meth to the forefront of people's minds. A play called Cranked was performed for Revelstoke Secondary School students with follow-up presentations for students taking Planning 10. Don't Meth Around Bracelets were developed and given out and educational materials such as the videos Dark Crystal and Rewind were collected. As well, pamphlets and fact sheets were made available to the public. According to the Community Responses to Methamphetamine: Final Report and Recommendations "the community also made it clear they desire a made-in-Revelstoke solution for those individuals and families struggling with abuse with the suggested creation and development of a substance abuse treatment facility and/or a detox centre." Trauzzi said if people still have questions they can contact her through Community Connections. As for continuing on with a task force, Trauzzi said while she wouldn't chair the task force, she would be interested in being involved. "It would be really great, but we'd need someone to head the project," she said. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek