Pubdate: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 Source: South Peace News, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 South Peace News Contact: http://www.southpeacenews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2261 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) HEALTH COUNCIL ADDRESSES CRYSTAL METH Tackling the crystal meth problem in the High Prairie area is something the High Prairie and District Community Health Council wants to tackle. "We'd like to initiate a series of workshops for crystal meth," health council chair Nona Elliott told High Prairie town council at its Nov. 23 meeting. "Help us put a face on this monster." Elliott says the health council is working with Peace Country Health on the project, aimed at educating everyone about the dangerous drug. The project involves holding workshops and forums throughout Peace Country Health's area. "When we start the process will you be part of it?" asked Elliott. "Yes we will," replied Mayor John Brodrick. "Even if I have to go myself." Elliott says she did not attend the meeting to ask town council for money, only that they attend their meetings. She adds she attended recent meetings in Grande Prairie and found their city council involved. She took some of the blame for town council not being involved saying they never did ask them to attend. The seriousness of the crystal meth problem in High Prairie is up for argument. While there is no question there is some of the drug here, AADAC representatives have said at High Prairie Interagency meetings that cases are rare. The drug of choice in the High Prairie area seems to be cocaine as evidenced by possession and trafficking charges in High Prairie provincial court. Brodrick says crystal meth is a serious problem in Edson, Hinton and Drayton Valley. He noted High Prairie's problem was "bad but theirs is worse." The local health council was formed in 1999 and is one of eight such councils in PCH's area. Elliott says its volunteer members are people interested in improving health in the area. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake