PACS TEEN DRUG AWARENESS VIDEO PLANNED

The Peninsula's largest social services agency has received $25,000
from Fraser Health Authority to finance another drug awareness video
for teens.

Peace Arch Community Services will tap into an Addictions Prevention
Grant to bankroll High School Confidential, a drug awareness and
education video aimed at curbing substance abuse among young people,
aged 13 to 24.

"It's going to look at all kinds of different drugs, not just one
drug," explained Peace Arch Community Services' Kevin Letourneau.

The film will also look at ways people can manage stress and find
excitement without using drugs.

It's designed to ultimately be shown in high schools across Canada.

Letourneau is working with director Michael Neitzel of Pacific
Television and Film to produce the video. Completion date is March 2007.

The two also teamed up to produce 2005's Death by Jib and this
year's Cold as Ice, which looked at the impact of crystal meth on
users and their community.

The films are important educational tools, Surrey-White Rock MLA
Gordon Hogg said.

"Many young people are tempted by the lure of drugs and as a society
it is important we raise the consciousness about the damages that
result from substance abuse," Hogg said.

"The pressures placed on our youth to explore drugs and alcohol are
strong and this can lead to addiction and abuse.

"By educating them through a medium through which they can relate
and understand, hopefully our youth will be less likely to
experiment with these harmful substances."

White Rock Mayor Judy Forster said the documentaries create dialogue
in the community.

"They have a tremendous influence on youth," she said.

"Drugs affect everyone in society...because the root cause of crime
is because of drugs.

Backing for the latest production is part of a one-time funding
initiative in which 23 Fraser Health organizations split more than
$580,000 for substance abuse programs.

Letourneau said High School Confidential will not only feature
stories from people who have used and abused drugs and alcohol. It
will also include people who abstain.

"I want to hear from them. I want to hear them say aEIt's stupid to
do drugs and these are my reasons.'

"You'll have a product that can literally be shown to thousands of
kids for years and years."

Student feedback from PACS' first film, Death by Jib, shows it is
having an impact.

Of 815 students surveyed after watching the short documentary, 48
per cent they were made more aware of how addictive crystal meth is,
while 76 per cent said they'd be less likely to try the drug, even
if their friends have done it.