EXPERTS CALL FOR MORE DRUG PREVENTION

In a city where drug culture dominates current affairs, it can be
difficult to look ahead.

But at a Four Pillars Coalition meeting in Van-couver yesterday,
experts urged policy-makers - including Sam Sullivan - not to forget
about the "other" pillar: Prevention.

"Prevention is one of these things that when it works, nothing
happens," explained Julie Norton, of the BC Council for Families
(BCCF). "But we do need that prevention piece happening." And it all
starts at home, according to Norton.

The BCCF is about to launch "My Tween & Me," a drug-use education
campaign aimed at parents of children between the age of seven and
12.

"Children are being exposed to [drugs] earlier in their lives," Norton
said. "We often forget the impact you have on your children,
especially when they're in that age group."

Vancouver Coastal Health's Dr. Cameron Duff said building a child's
esteem and resilience is the key to prevention.

He says youth with good self-esteem have "far fewer challenges"
navigating temptations such as alcohol, drugs and gang activity.

Another program geared toward education rather than punishment is the
School-Age Children and Youth program. It creates a forum between
at-risk teens, their parents and teachers.

The program has been successful in seven schools and is ready to
expand.

"I think we're going to be a model for the rest of Canada if we can
get the funding for this," said Vancouver School Board project
co-ordinator Art Steinmann.