MACLEOD METH COALITION PRAISED AS HEALTHY STEP

Fort Macleod was praised Wednesday for organizing a coalition to
tackle the growing problem of crystal methamphetamine use.

A representative of the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
said a local solution to a problem is often the best one.

"It's one of the healthiest things that can happen in a community,"
Leona Peters of AADAC said.

Thirteen people turned out Wednesday for the Fort Macleod Crystal
Meth Coalition's second meeting, at which Angie Bourassa and Val
Campbell agreed to co-chair the group.

Peters told the group it is one of 30 to 40 such coalitions in Alberta.

"From my standpoint this is a really healthy, positive, progressive
thing that is happening in the community," Peters said.

The idea of forming a coalition was put forward by Foothills Centre
manager Val Campbell is response to community concerns about crystal
meth, which is called a scourge and plague on society.

That proactive step was praised by Peters and is supported by AADAC.
Coalitions fit under the Alberta Drug Strategy.

Coalitions are in place in other communities such as Brooks, Tofield,
Canmore, Drumheller, Lethbridge, Drayton Valley, Devon, Edmonton and
Medicine Hat. Members turned out last fall for a conference at Red Deer.

"There are lots of things going on," Peters said. "People showcased
the kinds of things they're doing in the communities. It was amazing."

Peters told the group the other coalitions have settled on a wide
range of activities to combat drug use and its related problems in
their communities.

"In a lot of cases what has been happening has been around public
education," Peters said.

One coalition started a program in which high school students serve
as role models and mentors for junior high students.

Another coalition organized a two-day conference with speakers and
information on a variety of related topics.

The Fort Macleod coalition is considering organizing a public forum
with presentations on crystal meth and by a recovering addict.

"You need to look at what can be done in Fort Macleod and district
that would give you some profile, and would be do-able," Peters said.
"Coalitions go where they're needed to go."

One of the ideas discussed by coalition members was supporting the
development of a proposed teen centre in Fort Macleod.

The centre would provide young people with a chance to hang out
somewhere there is a positive attitude. Information about the dangers
of drug use and other youth issues would be made available at the centre.

Peters told coalition members there may be government funding
available to fund its activities.

At Wednesday's meeting there was representation from the public,
Foothills Centre, High West K9 Services, Chinook Health Region mental
health services, Ranchlands Victim Services Unit, AADAC, Fort Macleod
Hospital Auxiliary, the Family Centre, Children's Services, and
elders from the Blood Tribe Police.

A coalition is also developing at present in Claresholm.

"We're stepping through the same process that is going on here,"
explained Ken Walker of Ranchlands Victim Services Unit, who attended
the Claresholm meeting. "I think people have to accept it is an issue
and that it's going to become more important."

The next meeting of the Fort Macleod Crystal Meth Coalition is
Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Foothills Centre.