FORUM TACKLES YOUTH DRUG ISSUES

Youth, their parents and teachers have the chance to learn more about
the resources available for drug awareness and prevention.

The Nanaimo Youth Action Project is holding an event to do all those
things, featuring motivational speaker Heather Charlton.

Charlton was 19 years old when she drove home drunk from a party and
caused an accident that killed her best friend.

She talks about how youth can make healthy choices to prevent car
accidents, drug abuse and bullying.

Music and prize give-aways will also fill the seven-hour
event.

"It's about prevention and health promotion," said Cathy Loewen,
co-ordinator of the Nanaimo Youth Action Project. "We want more youth
involved and we want more youth to attend."

The event is set for March 3 from 3-10 p.m. in the multi-purpose room
at John Barsby secondary school.

People wanting to attend must pre-register through their school rep or
the John Howard Society at 754-1266.

The project was created to help make youth aware of the resources
available in the community for drug abuse prevention and support for
family and friends.

Organizers held a conference in November that attracted about 200
people and a community action working group was established to develop
a long term strategy around substance abuse in youth.

The project wraps up at the end of March.