Pubdate: Tue, 22 Nov 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 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) HEALTH AUTHORITY ADDS SUPPORT TO METH TASK FORCE A new partner and the streamlining of committees, is sure to produce quick and effective results for the Oceanside Community Crystal Meth Task Force, says chair Kevin Wilson. With the confirmed support of the Vancouver Island Health Authority with the Oceanside, Victoria and Nanaimo task forces, Wilson says they will not only find the necessary help from medical professionals, but also have a means of validating information being disseminated by the groups. "What we needed is guidance and professionalism injected into these task forces across B.C." says Wilson. "They couldn't have been any clearer, they're totally on side and they will bring everybody on side. The most immediate step with VIHA, will be a verification process of all information being sent out from the task force. It will give the groups more validity, says Wilson, and make outside groups less concerned to use their materials, if they see a VIHA stamp on it. There will also be a workshop set up in the near future with a senior VIHA administrator who has been tasked with the file, says Wilson. As of now, they are making prevention their first priority, he explains, but they are also interested and looking into treatment options "It's a very co-operative move," says Wilson about the meeting with Howard Waldner, president and chief executive officer. In order to help streamline the information flow, the education committee will be amalgamated with the treatment line. That way, everyone will be able to be on the same page at the same time, says Wilson. "We have to look at how to restructure this task force so it works better than it does," says Wilson. With the change, those participating in the creation of newsletters, resource guides, and parental information will have had more input from professionals, parents of addicts, and affected youth before completing their work. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom