Pubdate: Thu, 28 May 2009
Source: Okanagan Falls Review (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Black Press
Contact:  http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/okanaganfallsreview/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4965
Author:  Steve Arstad
Cited: CrystalMeth BC: http://www.crystalmethbc.ca/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

LOCAL ANTI DRUG INITIATIVES INCLUDE EDUCATION ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE COMMITTEE

In December of 2005 the Province of British Columbia offered up to
$10.000 to communities under the Methamphetamine Response funding
program. The Village of Keremeos took this opportunity together with
the support of our first Nations Bands and the Regional District and
formed the South Similkameen Anti Crystal Meth Initiative.

The goal was to provide education to our students on substance abuse
and increase community awareness. The recent Crystal Meth Info Show is
only one tool of many that the committee has used since then. Among
the accomplishments are:

- - A Crystal Meth Brochure that has been translated into a number of
languages for visible minorities;

- - A retailer's guide to inform merchants of the ingredients that can
be used to make Crystal Meth;

- - Community Forums and documentary evenings to create awareness
throughout the valley;

- - A dedicated computer serving as an information kiosk located at our
health centre;

- - A Controlled Substances Bylaw as an advanced tool against
grow-ops;

Four major events at our High School:

Greenthumb Theatre

Odd Squad

Headlines Theatre

Crystal Meth Society of BC Info Show

The Initiative has been renamed to 'Education on Substance Abuse
Committee' to reflect its' broader mandate to address the issues of
substance abuse in our communities.

Anyone interested in joining the committee please contact Chairman
Councillor Manfred Bauer (250-499-5290) or leave your contact address
at the village office. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake