Pubdate: Wed, 31 May 2006
Source: Parry Sound North Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006, Parry Sound North Star
Contact:  http://www.parrysoundnorthstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1618
Author: Stephannie Johnson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

ANTI-DRUG GROUP OPEN TO NEW IDEAS AND MEMBERS

PARRY SOUND - Based on the number of people that attended the first 
Helping Addicts Restore Themselves (HART) meeting last fall, HART 
chair Gail MacDonald says she thought support for the organization 
was be tremendous. However, along with Ms MacDonald, the three 
concerned mothers who founded this group say that since its initial 
meeting last fall, the number of people attending its meetings has 
steadily dwindled.

Additionally, the founders say they were disappointed with the 
turnout of parents when they brought in former NFL all-star Alvin 
Powell this spring to give an anti-drug talk to high school students 
as well as their parents. Through his company Saving Station 
Foundation, Mr. Powell draws on his own personal struggle with drugs 
to dissuade young people from getting involved.

"We had hundreds of children at those shows who were overwhelmed and 
loved it. And at the evening shows we had maybe 40 parents," said 
HART chair Gail MacDonald. "I'm a little frustrated that we didn't 
get a lot more parents showing up to our meetings."

HART's newest board member Jenn Bentley said that parents need to 
stop pretending that their children aren't affected by drugs, and 
that there isn't a drug problem in the area.

"There's a huge culture of denial in this town and it's not just 
about drugs. If one child struggles with addiction, it affects us 
all. And, one is too many to pretend that it's not happening," said Ms Bentley.

The anti-drug group wants to bring Mr. Powell back to Parry Sound at 
some point in the future to conduct a follow-up meeting.

"Mr. Powell talks about creating a network around your child that's 
solid and that works. It's things like every week you have a urine 
test--it's not maybe you're tested-- you're tested every week. You go 
to so many 12-step meetings, you go to school, you work part-time, 
you volunteer," said Ms MacDonald. "We have to look at this problem 
seriously. I'm still always so amazed that people still say, 'There's 
a drug problem in this town?' And I think, 'Where have you been.' I'd 
like to see more parents jump on board, give a damn."

HART has been working to bring a detox centre to town, and it also 
would like to open up a drop-in centre for local youth. Currently, a 
needs study is being conducted by consultant Peter Dean to determine 
if the area can support a detox centre. The study is expected to take 
about eight weeks. He is meeting with stakeholders, including 
officials from the Community Mental Health and Addiction Outreach 
agency, and West Parry Sound Health Centre's grants officer John Lee, 
who will also help to secure provincial and federal funding for the facility.

"We need a drop-in centre or a community centre, something for these 
kids to do other than sit on a bench outside the liquor store," said 
HART member Ms Bentley. "We're not doing anything to support our 
kids. How can we expect them to grow if we don't support their needs?"

Last year, HART tried to hold a "take back the neighbourhood" event 
in Parry Sound's harbour, but had to cancel it because of lack of 
funding. They are interested in hearing any ideas community members 
may have to make this event a success. Call 774-9111 for more 
information about HART.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman