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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom