Pubdate: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 Source: Red Deer Advocate (CN AB) Copyright: 2008 Red Deer Advocate Contact: http://www.reddeeradvocate.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2492 Author: Laura Tester DRUG ABUSE COALITION CALLS FOR MORE WORKERS A Rocky Mountain House coalition would like to more drug addiction counsellors in the area to help current staff with already heavy workloads. The West Country Drug Coalition is lobbying for more AADAC services to come to the area. "We have someone that comes out from Red Deer once a week and someone who is contracted with the Friendship Centre," said coalition member Tracy King. "But we need more here." "The worker we have now full-time is busy. I think to get an appointment with her, you have to wait until June or July." Craig Staniforth, outpatient clinic manager for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission in Red Deer, said other communities have made similar requests for more resources. AADAC tries to match the level of addiction services to demand. "I am sympathetic to Rocky, but to other communities as well," Staniforth said. "Most other communities don't have an addictions counsellor through the native friendship centre." AADAC pays for the addiction counsellor who works out of the Rocky Native Friendship Centre. Staniforth said that employee is there every day of the week. The counsellor doesn't just see aboriginals, but anyone who comes through the centre doors seeking help. "Because we don't have enough staff to have permanent offices (in these smaller communities), people (with addictions) can be seen right away in Red Deer." Staniforth said. West Country Drug Coalition was formed about two years ago and includes a variety of community representatives. It hosted the Slay the Dragon drug conference on Friday and Saturday. About 200 people attended to hear speakers who have used drugs and those who work in drug enforcement. King, the new Family Community and Support Services manager for the Town of Rocky, said illegal drug activity isn't an escalating problem in the Rocky area, but it's important to be vigilant. "We wanted to be pro-active," she said. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek