Pubdate: Fri, 28 Oct 2005 Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Parksville Qualicum Beach News Contact: http://www.pqbnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361 Author: Colleen Dane ISLAND METH TASK FORCES LINK UP They might all be at different stages in their plans, but an Island-wide meeting for crystal methamphetamine task forces was an important and helpful tool, says local chair Kevin Wilson. "All-in-all it was a good meeting," says Wilson following up on last weekend's workshop. "I think it gave a lot of people a lot of information, and I think it needs to keep happening." While the Oceanside contingent is more advanced than the groups from Nanaimo, Victoria and other communities, the feedback they received will definitely help in their steps forward, says Wilson. Especially when it comes to the issue of treatment, which Oceanside's force is working on now. "It's mainly in the treatment area - the enforcement, education on the Island ... is coming together," he says. While talks had already started between Oceanside and Nanaimo about central-Island initiatives they could work together on, Wilson says this meeting only confirmed that bond. "It was starting to happen (before) but certainly this week's meeting formed stronger relations between different communities," says Wilson. One concrete step they found, he adds, was after determining a need for street-workers in the area, they were directed towards an official provincial training module for volunteers willing to work in that area. Wilson says he hopes training sessions in this area will be set up soon. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth