Pubdate: Thu, 22 Mar 2007 Source: Strathmore Standard (CN AB) Copyright: 2007 Strathmore Standard Contact: http://www.strathmorestandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3322 Author: Jackie Gold ANTI-DRUG COALITION IN INITIAL DEVELOPMENT STAGES A new coalition targeted at drug awareness and education, has formed in Strathmore consisting of members from the Strathmore RCMP, AADAC, Golden Hills School Division and many other social service groups. Staff Sgt. Ken Foster said he was involved in a similar project when he was stationed in another detachment and saw the need for one here. "All these societies are doing great work," he said of existing groups in Strathmore. He said he thought "why not bring them all together and work collectively on drug concerns in Strathmore and area?" "Rather than everyone doing their own thing, lets do it together." He said at the first meeting on Feb. 22 there was an overwhelming response to the idea. Foster said the first task was to gauge the local interest in forming such a group. Now that they have realized that the program is needed in Strathmore, he said the focus will be to educate and prevent youth from becoming involved in drugs. "That takes work off everyone's table if it keeps youth off drugs," he said. Foster stressed that the group would not be focusing on enforcement, but on helping kids become more aware of the risks and dangers associated with drugs. He said the group has begun applying for grants and will be reaching out to industrial groups, who he said usually need workers with the current labour shortage. He said by helping the program out the industrial groups would be ensuring a source of clean and sober workers. Foster said the initial planning stages of the program are a little overwhelming, as he wants to ensure that the group does serve a purpose and doesn't meet simply for the sake of meeting. He said the next step after grants have come through will be to have a confidential survey in the junior and senior high schools to determine if student perceptions of the drug scene in Strathmore matches what the RCMP and AADAC have noted to date. Anyone wishing to support the coalition or wanting more information can contact Foster. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek