Pubdate: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 Source: Richmond News (CN BC) Copyright: 2006, Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc. Contact: http://www.richmond-news.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1244 WELL, WHAT DO YOU KNOW? The provincial government is finally recognizing the plague crystal meth is on society - from our health-care system to our justice system - and is trying to do something about it. Education Minister Shirley Bond unveiled a $3-million crystal meth education program for B.C. schools yesterday. The program is aimed at students, parents and teachers, and includes classroom lessons and resources to help youth make healthy choices, teacher resources that support those lessons, a parent's guide to help them talk to their kids about drugs, and an interactive website featuring games and activities for kids. Acccording to Bond, the government's research has shown that about five per cent of students in grades 7 to 12 may have tried crystal meth. "And the best way to stop someone from using it is to keep them from ever starting," notes Bond. We agree. We're cautiously optimistic this additional funding will pay off in the long run and we'll see tangible results in the categories of health, education, social welfare and justice. And we truly hope the government means what it says and provides teachers with promised and proper resources to implement this school-based program. Anyone who has ever witnessed the ravages of crystal meth - from the obvious physical scarring on an individual's face to the less visible break down of their families - knows the human toll is too high for us not to be serious and resolute in this process. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine