PROGRAM AIMS TO FIGHT SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY 'BUILDING ASSETS IN YOUTH'

The fight against substance abuse in Moose Jaw and south central
Saskatchewan received a boost Friday with the announcement of $323,500
in financial support for a preventative project.

The announcement was made at the Moose Jaw YMCA by Palliser MP Ray
Boughen as part of the federal government's Drug Strategy Community
Initiatives Fund.

Boughen said the project, called Building Assets in Youth, is a
testament to people taking action to fix a problem.

"This cause is very important to all of us in Canada because, as we
realize, youth (will be) the new adults of our communities," said Boughen.

The project will receive the funding over a period of three years and
will reach 16 communities, including Moose Jaw.

The money for the program will be flowing through the local YMCA. Jeff
Fox, CEO of the YMCA, said the initial focus will be to determine how
the funding will be allocated.

Sixteen sites for youth, such as youth centres, will be set up, said
Fox, with eight in Moose Jaw, and eight in rural areas.

The aim of the project is provide youth with "developmental assets"
which will help them live healthier lives and resist drugs and alcohol.

There are 40 recognized "developmental assets" for adolescents. Among
them are safety, adult role models, creative activities, a sense of
purpose, and peaceful conflict resolution.

According to Christine Boyczuk, Regional Intersectoral Coordinator
with the Five Hills Health Region, the more "assets" one has, the more
likely that person will be able to resist addiction.

Through youth and adult mentorship and healthy activities, young
people can attain more assets.

"We know that the more healthy activities youth are involved in, the
greater their chance of success. (With the project), we will be
working to ensure the number of youth participating in the community
increases," said Boyczuk.

Boyczuk, who had initially applied for the funding, said a
co-ordinator has already been hired to facilitate the program.

The co-ordinator will encourage youth to join and start up clubs,
while supporting existing youth groups.

Terry Hutchinson, executive director of Mental Health and Addiction
Services with the health region, explained the project as "for youth,
by youth."

He said the project will be accessible to all youth, and will be based
on input from young people.

"First off, the co-ordinator will have to work with schools to find
those youth who are already strong leaders.

"Then there will be really creative brainstorming with youth to
develop engaging activities. Young people from ages 13 to 19 will
participate in all aspects of the work plan," Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson said money has traditionally gone mostly to the
intervention side of addictions, and he is grateful that money is now
available to focus on prevention.

He said a key part of the initiative will be to engage those youth who
are already high-risk. Conceding that drugs and alcohol cannot be
fully eliminated, he said the key will be to "start by minimizing risk."