Pubdate: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 Source: Sherwood Park News (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 Sherwood Park News Contact: http://www.sherwoodparknews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1730 Author: Mary Pinkoski Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) HELP KEEP LOCAL KIDS CLEAN Presentation To Create Awareness And Prevent Drug Use In The Park Sherwood Park News -- Some issues require more than just individual attention; more than just a family's attention. Some issues require the attention of a whole community. The issue of children and drugs is one of these. This is one message that will be presented at the Keep Kids Clean: The Inside Story on Drugs. The presentation, hosted by Parents Empowering Parents and the Strathcona County Drug and Alcohol Strategy, will feature the following guest speakers: Michelle Boden, creator of an award-winning news series on crystal methamphetamines and their effects. Sgt. Ian Sanderson of the RCMP drug awareness team, who will discuss statistics and new trends. Audrey Bjornstad, a parent who has experienced the effects of having a child with a substance addiction. Adolescents who have been involved with and experienced the effects of substance usage. Maralyn Benay, a family support worker with McMan Agency, says the evening is about creating awareness about drugs in the community and in families. "The important message is not if your kid is involved in drugs go to this, it isn't that at all. It is a family affair." It's also a proactive event which Benay believes will benefit immediate and extended family members, as well as community workers, teachers, and medical professionals. "It is overall education and prevention to show that we care about our kids," she added. The evening will not only focus on the often-highlighted crystal meth situation, but will also address substances such as alcohol and marijuana. One of the sponsoring organizations, Parents Em-powering Parents (PEP), is a support group for anyone involved in parenting who's concerned or suspicious about their child and drugs. The group is one of the first in Alberta and works to empower parents through education, knowledge and support. Benay says the evening demonstrates Strathcona County is on the cusp of creating solutions for substance abuse in children. "We are really excited," she said. "We're even having a great response from other communities." However, Benay still notes that while educating and creating sustainable and effective knowledge of substance abuse is one of the keys for communities to combat drug use problems, it is not nearly enough. Treatment centres designed for children are desperately needed, she said, noting addicts need safe places for detoxification and the development of healthy nutrition patterns and activities. One start to creating facilities will come in the form of the Keep Kids Clean presentation as the proceeds from the event will be donated to youth drug treatment initiatives. The presentation takes place at Festival Place on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at Nor-Med Rehab Centre, McMan Youth Family and Community Services, and Correctional Services. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin