DEVON STEPS UP DRUG PREVENTION

Striving to achieve a drug-free community, the Town of Devon is looking to
implement a preventative drug strategy in the community.

To help raise awareness of the new mission and recruit members for the
committee, the Devon Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) hosted a
performance by Multi-Youth Productions titled Wasted Angels, April 19.

The play followed the devastating effects of crystal methamphetamine
addictions through one individual life, his family, friends and community.
The play portrayed a real-life scenario and left the audience in shock and
tears.

"It was a very riveting and emotional story," said Kammi Rosentreter,
co-ordinator for the Devon FCSS. "It was extremely brave for a recovering
meth addict (in the audience) to stand-up and share her story with us. They
really got the message across to the audience."

The play was performed by youth ranging in ages from 12 to 18.

Rosentreter said Devon is hoping to implement a drug strategy that arms
them with the tools, "to deal with the problems when they do appear."

"(Drugs) are an issue, not any more than in any other community in Alberta.
So it's important to have a preventative strategy in place," she said.

Rosentreter explained the committee would be addressing four 'pillars' that
include enforcement, government lobbying and advocacy, treatment and
prevention, and education.

"You have to look at all aspects of the impact of what drugs can do to a
community," said Rosentreter. "Our approach has to be all encompassing and
proactive.

"The overall vision is together we are healthy, supportive addiction-free
community that's striving to obtain this through our drug strategy."

The Devon Drug Strategy committee will be holding their first meeting May
17 at the Devon Community Centre where everyone is invited to attend. A
mission statement will be created and people will be organized into
sub-committees.

"We are hoping people will align themselves to work with something that
attracts to them," she said.

For more information, call Rosentreter at (780) 987-8325.