CRYSTAL METH FORUM SET

It's a problem which has afflicted many communities recently, and
Vanderhoof is no exception.

On April 27, the Vanderhoof Drug and Alcohol Task Force will host a
public forum on crystal meth and crack cocaine at Nechako Valley Secondary.

"We're inviting the community to come together," task force member
Lisa Striegler says. "Our role is to raise awareness about drug and
alcohol abuse in the community."

The basic format for the forum would see some basic education on the
drugs with different service providers in the community describing how
it has affected their clients. Then, people who have experiences with
the drugs would share their experiences, followed by an open mike session.

"What we want this meeting to do is be a first step towards a planning
workshop," Striegler says, "which would provide us with a strategic
plan for combatting the drugs."

She says funding is available from a number of sources, but the
strategic plan is needed before the funds can be accessed.

"Headlines Theatre out of Vancouver, who have been up here before with
presentations, are doing a mainstage production called Meth, which we
are looking to get up here," she added.

Further details about the public forum will be available shortly.