METH FORUMS TARGET YOUTH, FAMILIES

A month-long campaign to bring awareness about the dangers of crystal
meth use to youth and families begins tomorrow with a community forum
at Wellington secondary.

Members of Nanaimo's Crystal Meth Task Force have planned a series of
forums, advertisements and mail-outs designed to give people
information about the dangers of crystal meth use.

The task force began in September 2005 with a community forum at
McGirr elementary, which saw 325 people attend. The task force hopes
to replicate that success with a series of forums throughout May.

The first is set for Wellington secondary school tomorrow (May 3) at 7:30 p.m.

It will open with a 40-minute presentation on the impact of crystal
meth in the community, including health and safety. Then health-care
and drug counsellors will provide information about what symptoms
indicate crystal meth use and how to get help.

"Primarily, we're focussing on prevention," said Jack Doan, former
school board trustee and chairman of the task force's education and
awareness committees.

They encourage parents to attend the forum with their children to
help open up communication about crystal meth.

"It's the beginning of another conversation," said Sherry Elwood,
principal at Cedar secondary.

"It gives parents things to talk about with their children."

Forums will continue throughout May, including John Barsby secondary
on May 10 at 7 p.m., Nanaimo District secondary on May 17 at 7 p.m.
and Dover Bay secondary on May 24 at 7 p.m.

"Basically, that same presentation will happen every Wednesday
throughout May," Elwood said.