Pubdate: Tue, 15 Jul 2014
Source: Truro Daily News (CN NS)
Page: A4
Copyright: 2014 The Daily News
Contact:  http://www.trurodaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1159
Author: Monique Chiasson

FUNDING TO HELP PREVENT DRUG USE GOOD NEWS FOR COLCHESTER COUNTY 
YOUTH, FAMILIES

' It's beyond amazing. It should've been done a long time
ago'

TRURO - Local youth are ecstatic programming that has changed their
lives for the better can be offered to more people thanks to
substantial federal funding.

In the spring, the federal government announced it was providing $
16.1 million to support more than 30 drug prevention projects in
Canada. The Colchester East Hants Health Authority's mental health and
addiction services was allocated $ 374,000 and is now starting a new
program and enhancing others through the Strengthening Youth and
Families Project, which aims to prevent illicit drug use among at-risk
youth.

"It's beyond amazing. It should've been done a long time ago," said a
17-year-old Onslow resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, when she
heard about the funding.

The teenager, who admits to having posttraumatic stress disorder, high
anxiety and is recovering from addictions, participates in an ongoing
program called High Stakes, which is one of the initiatives being funded.

High Stakes is a summer camp for ages 13 to 18. It works with youth to
resist illicit drugs and find healthy alternatives to substance use.

"I wouldn't have had the chance" to grow and heal "if this wasn't
available," she said.

Another anonymous teenager, an 18-year-old female from Hilden, is
entering the same program for the third time. This time, she will be a
leader.

She feels the funding means the government "values the programs" which
have changed lives for the better, including her own. "School was a
stressful time ... you have to decide what to do with your life and
. there's family issues and members who have addictions," the
teenager said, adding High Stakes helped her "to not be as quick to
judge and to deal with issues ... I realized I can step away and focus."

Other programs available are Families Together: A Parenting Journey ( 
for families with children ages 12 to 18 to develop skills for 
parents and children), which is new; Strengthening Families for the 
Future ( reduces risk factors and enhances protection in the family); 
and Challenge Accepted ( a school-based prevention program to build 
resistance and refusal skills to avoid drug use.)

Robert Graham, mental health and addiction services program leader,
said the funding will make a difference.

"It could lead to fewer ER crisis, fewer appointments and fewer
reasons to call community services which would lead to that service
not being as ( burdened)," Graham told the Truro Daily News, adding
the programs will "create stronger families" as well as strengthen
community agency networking.

Cumberland- Colchester- Musquodoboit Valley MP Scott Armstrong, who
made the official funding announcement update Monday, said the money
is well spent.

"Drug abuse takes place everywhere; we have issues throughout
Colchester, as well ... As a former educator, I've seen kids fall
through the cracks," Armstrong said, adding an "organized structure"
for preventative programming is a key to success.

The health authority also contributed in-kind support worth more than
$ 253,000. The programs will continue for a three-year period, with
ongoing evaluation.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D