DRUG IDEAS FLOW

They picked up where they left off the week before.

Some 35 people gathered at W.L. McLeod Elementary on Thursday to
start preparing a drug strategy for Vanderhoof and the region, based
on ideas coming out of a May 2 forum.

Vanderhoof Drugs and Alcohol Task Force member Lisa Striegler told
the group the idea was to identify priorities for action, noting,
"This is a good place to start."

The group split into four smaller sections, based on prevention,
treatment, policing, and treatment and funding.

The discussion in each group was spirited and almost everyone took
part. It was clear from comments heard that some groups were looking
at problems to be solved, others are possible solutions.

"What can we as a community do to help the RCMP?"

"We have to teach children to be leaders, not followers."

"Go for a walk at eight o'clock at night and you'll see the problem."

"Kids need to feel secure they can talk to someone."

Striegler says the group decided to concentrate on a couple of areas to start.

"There was solid support for more hours for prevention work, and
there is a need for more treatment facilities to fill in the gaps."