Pubdate: Tue, 01 Oct 2002
Source: Orillia Today (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002, Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact:  http://www.simcoe.com/sc/orillia/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1508
Author: Frank Matys

GROUPS MERGE TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE

A marriage, celebrated in low-key fashion over sandwich wraps and cookies, 
ushered in the merger of two groups committed to clear thinking and healthy 
living.

Intent on bolstering their numbers and sharing a common vision, members of 
the Orillia Community Action Committee (OCAC) and the Orillia Substance 
Abuse Network (OSAN) agreed to join forces during a luncheon held at the 
local office of the Simcoe County District Health Unit.

"History has been made," said public health nurse Kate Allen, shortly after 
an informal vote. "Both groups could have dissolved, but that didn't 
happen. We have brought together passionate people from each group."

Members of the newly-formed Orillia Substance Abuse Action Committee 
(OSAAC) hope to build upon one another's strengths, while determining how 
best to prevent the burnout that often leads to dwindling numbers of 
volunteers.

"We've got some money, we've got people, we've got a focus," added Carolyn 
Jones, also a public health nurse. "We've got everything it takes to move 
forward."

Though differing in their approaches, both groups have for years aimed to 
raise awareness about the health and social issues surrounding drugs and 
alcohol.

In existence since 1999, OCAC has produced a resource package for parents 
of children in Grades 6 through 9, outlining the steps necessary for safe 
party planning.

OSAN's main initiative was a Drug and Alcohol-Free New Year's Eve 
Celebration, an annual event so popular and well-attended that the 
overburdened volunteer committee was eventually forced to approach Orillia 
council for assistance.

Fearing the city's involvement would set a precedent and result in a flood 
of similar requests from other organizations, council declined and the 
event folded.

With the new alliance now under way, the group is in the midst of preparing 
for Drug Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 17 - 23.

Statistics show that an estimated 40 per cent of Grade 11 students in 
Ontario admitted to drinking to the point of illness, at least once in the 
four weeks prior to a study conducted by the Centre for Addition and Mental 
Health.

Between April 1, 2000 and March 31, 2001, Soldiers' Memorial Hospital 
reported 150 emergency room admissions related to binge drinking.

Ten per cent of all hospital admissions result from the improper use of 
prescription drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Beth