Pubdate: Sat, 23 May 2009 Source: Chronicle-Journal, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2009 The Chronicle-Journal Contact: http://www2.chroniclejournal.com/contact/editorial/letters Website: http://www.chroniclejournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3155 Note: from the Northwest Bureau PROBLEM DRUG USE ON NEW POLICY RADAR The City of Thunder Bay will soon have a municipal drug policy. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit announced Friday that it will soon begin work on developing a municipal drug strategy for the city using funding from Health Canada's Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Program. "This is a very important step in reducing the harms associated with problematic substance use in our city," Rebecca Johnson, chairwoman of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Steering Committee, stated in a press release. "This new funding will enable us to create an integrated plan that is specific to Thunder Bay." A steering committee is currently being formed with representation from drug treatment organizations, law enforcement, city council and prevention agencies such as educational institutions, public health and outreach programs. The committee also plans to consult with members of the community so that the drug strategy addresses both public health and public order interests. Consultation sessions are planned for the coming weeks. "A community that works together has great potential to increase the health of all its citizens," Johnson said, adding that "a co-ordinated drug strategy for the City of Thunder Bay will enable our community to work together in a more effective way to address the causes and effects of substance misuse." - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D