COMMITTEE FORMED TO COMBAT DRUG USE

A newly formed committee will join together the expertise of local
service agencies, RCMP members and the public to take a proactive
approach to combatting drug use in the city.

The Airdrie Community Drug Coalition. has recently been formed in
response to the country's rising drug abuse problems, and while
Airdrie may not yet be plagued by widespread use, the coalition aims
to keep it that way.

Made up of 20 members of the community, including the RCMP, Airdrie
Emergency Services, AADAC, Airdrie Family Services, Victim Assistance
Unit, local parents, school principals and a pharmacist, the group is
one that will work collectively to prevent drug use. A representative
for Tylenol, who's products can be used to make methamphetamine, was
also present at the coalition's first meeting to ensure the company
continues to make itself part of the solution, not the problem.

Airdrie RCMP Cst. Richard Fournier says the coalition is one that
will act as a long term approach to prevention of drug abuse.

"It's a very, very long term initiative... we want to have a very
strong base and get it going in the right direction," he said.

While crystal meth is at the top of the agenda for the group, Cst.
Fournier says it will be dedicated to teaching preventative measures
for such other drugs as marijuana, crack and cocaine.

Laurelle Condon, addictions counselor for the Airdrie branch of
AADAC, says that the coalition is not meant to be a band-aid
approach, but one that will work to protect, prevent and proactively
combat drug use.

"It's something that will have an effect for the long term," she
said, "It is a preventative, collective, active approach to
addressing substance abuse issues.

"Condon says the Airdrie Community Drug Coalition is made up of a
variety of concerned and educated members who will use their various
areas of expertise to develop a collective role in the community.

"AADAC's motto is 'stronger together'," she said, "I think the
feeling is if people work collaboratively, it's more beneficial to
the entire community.

"Condon adds that they will work with similar groups which have
formed around the province in an attempt to learn what's worked for
them and what the next step should be for Airdrie.

"It's about using what's already worked elsewhere and modifying their
plan to ours," she said.

Cst. Fournier adds that the coalition hopes to be able to meet with
members of our city's youth to learn even more about the issue from
those who may be directly effected by it, and adds that the groups'
goal is to reach out to as many young Airdrie residents as possible.

"Basically, it's to try to reach the kids this year. I think we're
going in the right direction.

"For more information or to speak with an addictions counselor,
please call Condon at 912-3306 or AADAC toll free at 1-866-33AADAC.