Pubdate: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 Source: Valley Leader, The (CN MB) Copyright: 2006 The Valley Leader Contact: http://www.carmanvalleyleader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2170 Author: Heather Baril Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) CRYSTAL METH FORUM PLANNED FOR CARMAN Public education about crystal meth is the goal of community forums planned for around the province in the coming weeks. A Carman forum scheduled for March 14 at the Active Living Centre from 7 to 9 p.m. is one of four taking place in Winnipeg, Thompson and Brandon. Marcia Thomson the province's deputy minister of healthy living said there are a number of goals they hope to accomplish through the community forums. "(We want) to attempt, as much as possible, to prevent use, help families to intervene with those who are using drugs, and to make sure people in communities are aware of what crystal meth and other drugs are about," Thompson said. "In Manitoba we think we have a bit of an opportunity to get ahead of the crystal meth phenomenon because in other parts of Western Canada in particular, crystal meth has moved in fairly strongly in communities." The forums will include information on what crystal meth is and its dangers, the current situation in Manitoba, what community members can do to help prevent drug use, and available addictions and mental health services available in the province. Information on the Manitoba government's actions to address drug issues in the province will also be prevented, and forum attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of panel members. For more information, visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/crystalmeth. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin