Pubdate: Wed, 09 Aug 2006 Source: Salmon Arm Observer (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Salmon Arm Observer Contact: http://www.saobserver.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1407 Author: Pam Beech Note: Pam Beech, Executive member, CCOM Task Force CRYSTAL CLEAR ON FUNDS Catching up: Time lag between editorial and funding approval. Further to the July 5 and 12 Salmon Arm Observer editorial pieces on Meth Task Force funding and Interior Health funding, the Crystal Clear On Meth Task Force (CCOM) feels the need to clarify the UBCM funding response. At the time of the July 5 article, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) had funded $20,000.00 of the $30,000 requested, leaving the task force concerned about their ability to meet proposed obligations. Within days of the article, UBCM came through with the other $10,000 and let there be no mistake, the task force is very appreciative of the funding as we are committed to all three communities of Salmon Arm, Sicamous and Enderby regardless of funding. We can now comfortably move forward with projects that will reduce the impact of substance misuse in our communities and begin to address some of the identified gaps in response. Following the first article, and caught in the reporting warp before the next editorial on July 12, was the happy news of the final $10,000. Due to brevity and a focus on positive news about Interior Health funding around Mental Health and Addictions service, this editorial piece left the impression that the task force had received no funding at all from UBCM. We wish to be very clear on the role played by UBCM in funding an area plan for methamphetamine and substance misuse response. The definitive word would be 'huge.' We would not be moving forward on a four-project plan encompassing three communities without their support. The task force has also placed a request to be considered for additional funding for the rural communities of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and are awaiting a response. Each regional district, like each municipality, had access to $10,000. The Columbia Shuswap's $10,000 was applied for and allotted to the Golden municipality and its rural area, leaving the greater part of the regional district without funding for a meth response campaign. The Meth Task Force would like to expand their efforts to respond to rural requests for help, but do not have the resources without additional funding. We are confident that if funding is available after all other applications are met, that our proposal will be given consideration. To clear up any confusion about UBCM meth response funding, this money is, in fact, provincial health funding distributed through local government/community partnerships and is designed to build 'community capacity' around methamphetamine use, substance use and addictions response. The Meth Task Force looks forward to working with local governments and other key stakeholders to further a community response strategy that embraces the five pillars of prevention; treatment-recovery-support, enforcement, harm reduction and political advocacy, and ultimately ensures safer, healthier communities for the Shuswap-North Okanagan. Wondering how you can help or needing more information? To our many supporters - thank you - stay with us, we have only just begun. Pam Beech, Executive member, CCOM Task Force - --- MAP posted-by: Derek