BATTLE AGAINST DRUGS CONTINUES

SYDNEY - One of the community's leading organizations on drug
prevention held its third public meeting Tuesday.

The Community Partnership on Drug Abuse was formed in 2004 to address
the harmful impact of drug abuse in the community using interventions
based on evidence and research.

Jane Lewis, chair of the partnership steering committee, said the
latest meeting addressed the group's public accountability strategy.

It featured her report on progress, followed by an enforcement
perspective from Chief Edgar MacLeod of the Cape Breton Regional
Police Service; and treatment options from Everett Harris of
Addiction Services.

The floor was then opened up to feedback and suggestions.

Lewis said this format often provides a valuable idea or two the
group can act upon.

"I'm not sure if it was a new one but I think it resonated a bit, was
the whole idea of community responsibility and community engagement
and people going home and getting others involved," she said about a
suggestion from the meeting that was heartily supported by more than
20 community members in attendance.

"Certainly there was a big pitch tonight to help support this group
and its efforts to continue, so I think those things came out of this meeting."

From Tuesday's meeting the partnership will continue its work within
the community and attempt to ensure sustainability.