Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Copyright: 2006 Winnipeg Free Press Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502 Author: Jason Bell Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) TOWNS GET PROACTIVE ON WARNING KIDS ABOUT 'METH' HEALTH professionals and educators in southwestern Manitoba are tackling the issue of crystal methamphetamine addiction before it becomes a problem in the region. The Health Corner, a resource centre within the Desalaberry Health Centre in St. Pierre Jolys, is planning an information evening on crystal meth next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Pierre College gymnasium. Police say the drug, made from easily available chemicals, is now being used more often in the city and inching in on the crack cocaine trade. Cecile Lesage, co-ordinator for the Health Corner, said media attention surrounding the prevalence of crystal meth use prompted parents, teachers and community members to act. "We're not aware of any statistics suggesting there's a problem here, but we want to get the word out before our kids make the wrong decision," Lesage said. "We've all heard cases where kids get hooked on this drug. It's scary. But we don't want to just scare people, we want to provide good, solid information." Schools in St. Pierre, St. Malo, Grunthal, Niverville and Kleefeld have all agreed to promote the event, encouraging students and their family members to attend. One of the featured speakers is Carole Johnson of Winnipeg, whose daughter was a crystal meth addict who died in a car crash in 2003. Tory MLA Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach) and Shauna Sheldon from the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba will also speak at the event, while a panel discussion includes Sgt. Marc Samson with the RCMP drug unit. Call the Health Corner at (204) 433-3891 for more information. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom