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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom