Pubdate: Wed, 21 Dec 2005
Source: Agassiz Harrison Observer (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Agassiz Observer
Contact:  http://www.agassizharrisonobserver.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1344
Author: James Baxter

COUNSELLOR OPTIMISTIC ABOUT NEW YEAR

If Bill Turner has his way, drug-use will never have the opportunity to 
proliferate in Agassiz-Harrison. The addictions counsellor says his 
determination has been buoyed by the support he has received from both 
communities to stem the flow of marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth and other 
drugs before the problem reaches the crisis levels of neighbouring areas.

Turner is excited about the coming year, in which he plans to work closely 
with other community partners ?" including both municipal councils ?" to 
focus heavily on education and prevention. At the civic level, councils can 
act to control the number of pawn shops that want to open up here, and 
ensure no retailers begin selling drug paraphanalia, as has occurred in 
other Lower Mainland communities.

On tap for Feb. 23 is another community presentation in Harrison that will 
delve deeply in drug issues. It will offer a slightly more visceral slant 
than the previouos forum, with a replica marijuana grow-op on display and a 
laying out of the assorted chemical ingredients for making crystal meth.

Guest speakers will include School District 78 Superintendent Wes Neumeier 
and Sherry Mumford, the Manager of Addictions Programs for Fraser Health. A 
law enforcement representative may also be in attendance to lend their 
years of experience in the field.

The presentation will focus on 25 per cent problem and 75 per cent 
solution, according to Turner. It will begin at 7 p.m. at Harrison Memorial 
Hall.

The counsellor, who works at Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, said he 
is also keen to introduce the services of Meth Watch to the communities. 
The initiative began in Kansas as a private-public partnership to curtail 
the theft and suspicious sales of ingredeints used to manufacture 
methamphetemines. It promotes co-operation and teamwork between retailers 
and law enforcement professionals.

The program provides training courses and educational packages.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom