DO DRUGS AND DIE

Activist Wants Kids Stiff-Scared

James Lathlin used to be hooked on crack cocaine.

Now the addict turned activist is warning youth about the destruction
caused by drug abuse.

He's teaming up with funeral director Curtis Monkman of Prairieland
Aboriginal Funeral Home on Selkirk Avenue to show children drug
victims in their caskets.

"I tell kids you only live once, and you've seen where my old
lifestyle took me," said Lathlin. "I could easily be dead but I chose
education instead."

Lathlin, who runs counselling workshops called Scared Straight, aims
to use this approach to persuade youngsters to stay away from drugs.

He said he has contacted each Winnipeg school division and has two
junior highs and an elementary school from the Maples area booked for
his tour.

"Basically they're on-call," he said. "When the next body comes in,
we'll contact the schools to bring the kids along in groups of about
20 at a time."

Lathlin said the bodies of crystal meth addicts can be shocking to see
because many users develop scabs they remove and re-smoke to get high.

He urges young people not to try the highly-addictive, toxic drug in
the first place.

"It's no different to putting bleach in your system," said
Lathlin.

MORE VIOLENT CRIME

With his drug days behind him, the father of two said younger people
are committing more violent crimes.

"I'm 30 now and there are kids half my age doing crazy things on the
street that surpass many older prisoners," said Lathlin, who
re-evaluated his life during a stint at Headingley Jail.

Lathlin, who is also a support worker at a group home, considers
himself a role model and buffer for young people vulnerable to a
criminal path after prison.

He said he has garnered support from celebrities like Winnipeg-born
actor Adam Beach and rapper Snoop Dogg and been inspired by slain
rapper Tupac Shakur.

Monkman, who began supporting Lathlin's cause after meeting him at a
function, said he's seen a worrying trend in the age of bodies passing
through his funeral home.

"About 40% of them are now aged between 10 and 30," he said, noting
he's been in the business for 20 years. "They are the victims of
drugs, shootings and stabbings."

Monkman said many of the deaths are caused by street drugs like
crystal meth, crack and ecstasy.

"We now need to help educate our youth and take it to the next level,"
he said.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/jameslathlin or call
Lathlin at 979-0880.