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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth