Pubdate: Sat, 18 Nov 2006 Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC) Copyright: 2006, BC Newspaper Group Contact: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948 Author: Darrell Bellaart FORUM TACKLES DRUG ABUSE ISSUE Tackling Drug Abuse Is the Theme of a Public Forum at Beban Park on Tuesday (Nov. 21). The forum, put on by Nanaimo Alcohol and Drug Addiction Committee and NADAC affiliates, coincides with Addiction Awareness week, which runs Nov. 21-25. "The purpose is to have a physical event that demonstrates to the community that it's worth being aware of this issue and there's some good work going on around it," says Steve Arnett, Nanaimo Youth Services Association executive director. This is the third such community forum. Last year's event drew large crowds concerned about the threat of crystal meth, which is growing in use in some Lower Mainland communities. NADAC will officially unveil and seek comment on its 30-page strategic planning document at this year's forum. Among the goals of that plan is to provide youth objective information without preaching to them. "What we've learned with young people, as soon as you do that their ears close down and their eyes glaze over," Arnett said. Parents want to give their children information, but many feel they're in the dark. "A kid might say I think I'm going to try crystal meth, or something else, and they can go to this website and find out what the dangers are and what the effects are, and what to do if you're wired for sound." Arnett said. The planning document goes online Nov. 21 at www.nysa.bc.ca/. Drug information will also be made available. Other events during the week include an information booth at Woodgrove Centre, all day Saturday (Nov. 25) and an advertising campaign reminding the public that NADAC is there for those who need it. The forum is open to the public and takes place Nov. 21 at Beban Park social lounge, from 7-9 p.m. Meanwhile, the Snuneymuxw Health Centre is hosting a dinner and a one-hour performance by Students Working Against Tobacco at the Snuneymuxw Longhouse kitchen Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. The event is aimed at Snuneymuxw youth. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine