Pubdate: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 Source: Chilliwack Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Chilliwack Times Contact: http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1357 Author: Mike Chouinard Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH TO METH For many, crystal meth remains a mystery, a notorious drug that's attracting more headlines but one that many people know little about. The City of Chilliwack wants to clear up this mystery and will host a community forum on Oct. 11 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. It takes place at the Evergreen Hall's Cheam Room. The event will feature a host of speakers from different backgrounds who will cover topics ranging from the catastrophic health effects of using the drug to how it results in a rash of petty crimes as users aim to feed their habit. Angela Marshall, a youth and family therapist with Fraser House Alcohol and Drug Outpatient Society, is the keynote speaker and is described as offering a frank approach to the serious dangers of the drug. Other panelists will include Solicitor-General John Les; Dr. Johan Wouterloot, a family physician who specializes in addiction treatment; Jim Skinner, the School District No. 33 principal for alternate education: and RCMP members Const. Scott Rintoul and Sgt. Mike McCarthy. "The Chilliwack RCMP are committed to taking proactive measures in the fight against crystal methamphetamine in order to prevent it from having such significant impacts as it has in other urban areas in the Lower Mainland," RCMP Supt. Dale McGowan said in a news release. The City of Chilliwack is spearheading the event, which will involved a cross-section of groups within the community. The hope of the organizers is to try to keep the drug from getting a stronger foothold in the community. Already, meth is having an effect. "The impact of crystal meth production and addiction on our community cannot be overstated," Mayor Clint Hames said in the release. "We hope by taking an active approach, we can help raise awareness about this issue and encourage our citizens to get involved in prevention." At council Monday evening, members wanted to draw a little extra attention to next month's community forum. Coun. Sharon Gaetz said it was part of the city's overall plan to take on the production and sale of narcotics in the community. "The word is getting out on the street that we're not very tolerant of drugs in our community," she said. Coun. Mark Andersen also suggested the dangers of the drug, which can be made from a number of toxic, easy-to-purchase chemicals, should not be underestimated. "If you're wondering what goes in crystal meth just go through your cabinets underneath your sink." The public forum is being modelled in part after a high-profile one in Maple Ridge that involved the participation of a number of groups: the Rotary Club, the Salvation Army, the city, the police, additions programs, the school district, the health authority and others. The program did succeed in getting a large number of homeless users off the street and into addiction treatment. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom