DRUG AND ALCOHOL COALITION MAKES AWARENESS A PRIORITY

The Kirkland Lake Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition continues to
make plans and work on developing projects to inform the public about
drug an alcohol addiction in Kirkland Lake.

A new column will soon appear every other week in the Northern News
covering various drug and alcohol issues. As well the coalition is
working on getting columns in Francophone and Aboriginal
publications.

In attempt to keep various segments of the community informed KLDAAC
through its OxyContin Task Force has posted very dramatic educational
posters in places like the Timiskaming Health Unit, Canadian Mental
Health Association, Beaverhouse First Nation Band Office and a number
of other locations. The 'Buzz poster' warns: "It starts with just this
once, and it can end there. Misuse of prescription pain relievers like
OcyContin can kill you. If someone offers you oxy or some other party
drug, think twice -because you only die once."

Last year KLDAAC received $1,000 in funding from the Chiefs of Police
Association to be used in a poster contest. With the start of the
second school semester this contest is just getting underway.
Participation is expected from students at both KLDCS and ECJV as well
as Northern College.

The coalition will award prizes to the winners and the winning posters
will be displayed around town.

Another project the coalition is planning for is a medicine cabinet
clean out campaign. It will be designed to tie in with the Town of
Kirkland Lake's Cleanup Week as well as Save Kids Week that is
organized by Brighter Futures. A public awareness campaign will be
held informing the public about the importance of safely disposing of
their out dated medications. Local pharmacies will be contacted and
asked to participate in this program. As well the coalition is
planning on distributing disposal bags with an information sheet.

Also as part of the clean out the medicine cabinet project KLDAAC is
investigating the cost of purchasing lock boxes and or locks to secure
medication out of children's reach and to deter others from stealing
the medication and using it inappropriately. To ensure this project is
success the KLDACC will be conducting some form of
fundraising.

Another project the coalition is working on is bringing to Kirkland
Lake an OPP drug expert that would give a one-day seminar about drugs
and drug related issues.

This seminar would be offered to various professionals who are
involved in helping people with addictions. The date and location of
this seminar will be set at a future date.

The Kirkland Lake Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition consists of a
number of volunteers who represent different agencies that work with
addictions as well as people involved in education and concerned
residents who are trying to ensure the correct information is
presented to the public.

The coalition's next meeting is March 4, 9:30 a. m. at the Timiskaming
Health Unit Board Room.

Anyone wishing additional information about the coalition may contact
Rick at 568- 8277.