IGNORING DRUG ISSUE CAUSES PAIN

A group that wants to keep drugs from getting a foothold in the
Tri-Cities isn't trying to scare people straight. But the Tri-Cities
Drug Awareness Task Force does aim to educate the community about what
happens when the problem is ignored.

The task force, made up of RCMP, health, school and community
agencies, has organized an afternoon forum Nov. 26 for high school
students, plus one in the evening for adults and teens. Both take
place at Riverside secondary school.

Jodie McNeice, manager of the Port Coquitlam Community Police, said
the forum goal is to encourage a discussion about how drugs and
alcohol are being used and misused in the Tri-Cities.

"You hear about these things on TV, but drugs are here, too,"
McNeice.

The task force got its start a few years ago to combat the threat of
crystal meth. It was successful, McNeice said, and has now broadened
to include other drugs and alcohol.

To jump-start discussion, the task force will show two locally
produced films: Scathed, about the ravages of crystal meth on young
lives, and Tears for April, about April Reoch, who got hooked on drugs
and turned to prostitution to support her habit.

The films were produced by the Odd-Squad, a group of police officers
working in the Downtown Eastside. Although hard to watch, NcNeice
said, they are potent reminders of what it costs to ignore a drug problem.

"It gets them talking, it gets them to ask questions," McNeice
said.

Adults who don't have children are also encouraged to attend the
evening forum to learn how to spot a drug house or grow-op.

On Thursday, high school students will take part in an afternoon forum
where they will get to hear speakers, check out displays by local
groups, and try playing the video game Mario Kart while wearing
vision-distortion goggles that mirror the effects of alcohol impairment.

There is no cost to attend the evening forum at Riverside school on
Nov. 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

More information and resources are available at www.drugaware.ca .