DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR HIRED IN SUMMERLAND

A new drug and alcohol prevention co-ordinator will work with youth
and their families full-time through the Summerland Asset Development
Initiative's Drug Education Program.

Jody Meyer, who has worked in drug prevention and counselling, has
been hired for the new position which began on Monday.

He will work with local schools, the RCMP, Summerland's Drug
Education Task Force and the community at large.

He saids drug and alcohol abuse have been ongoing issues for more
than a decade.

"It's finally being taken seriously," he said. "The education needs to happen."

He said much of his work will be in presenting age-appropriate
information at all the schools in the community.

He also plans to hold parenting workshops and sessions on
drug-proofing children.

"A lot of people don't know there's help," he said.

Meyer will be based out of the SADI Unity Youth Club, 9117 Prairie
Valley Rd. He can be reached at 494-9722.

In the past, Meyer has worked in Summerland on a part-time basis
through the schools.

He said that while Penticton has drug abuse resources, they have not
been available in Summerland.

The new service is being offered by the Summerland Asset Development
Initiative and is funded through the Penny Lane Bargain Outlet with a
grant of $55,000.

Art Sewell, chair of the Penny Lane Bargain Outlet says the program
is needed in Summerland.

"The board is confident that the drug program will assist with
reducing the use of drugs by Summerland youth," he said.