Pubdate: Mon, 01 Mar 2004 Source: Edson Leader (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 Edson Leader Contact: http://www.bowesnet.com/edson/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/780 Author: Amy Anderson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) METH GROUP MOVES FORWARD The Edson and District Drug Action Coalition (EDDAC) is taking a stand against drugs, specifically methamphetamine. Through organized meetings and pre-planned activities, the EDDAC hopes to lower the meth use in Edson and contribute to educating the population on the drug and its consequences. "We have a template of goals, objectives and activities to be done," said Mike Butler, co-chair of the EDDAC. The coalition has a steering committee of 11 and five smaller sub-committees. The steering committee will be meeting March 25 to organize a master timeline after targets are received from each sub-committee. The timeline will run for an entire year and will be in place to prevent overlapping of events. The timeline will also ensure events are continuing throughout the year - not all at the beginning and tapering off towards the end, Butler said. "Some activities have gone ahead already. Some are getting done before the planning is complete," he added. The five sub-committees have been meeting on a regular basis, either once or twice a month, to discuss further activities and events. Though these committees have been organized, people are still welcome to join the sub-committee of their choice, Butler said. The committees are public awareness, detox, dialogue, prevention and government support. There could be funding through municipal grants for assistance. The government support sub-committee is responsible for securing funding. "After our March 25 meeting, we'll have a good idea of where we're going," Butler said. The EDDAC was formed after concerns were voiced by the community members and authorities, but the ball didn't get rolling until public officials were made aware of the problem. It was at the July 15 town council meeting when strategies and future meetings to control the situation were discussed. Councillors, especially the mayor, met the problem with shock and surprise. "I had no idea it was such a huge concern," Mayor Gary Mahon said at the time. For more information about the EDDAC, contact Butler at 723-4401. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom