METH ISSUE STILL NEEDS FOCUS

Crystal meth is a problem that must have more than just 15 minutes of
fame. Earlier this year, there was a true buzz around the topic, as
media at all levels were running stories of how the drug was
impacting communities.

Prince Albert was no exception, and the community turned out in huge
numbers for the first community rally on crystal meth in late June.

The stories on meth are less frequent now, and the public attention
has been split to other matters. In a sense, this is natural. There
are many worthy topics competing for coverage.

But we are still hopeful for a healthy turnout at the second
community rally on crystal meth planned for Wednesday at the Prince
Albert Exhibition Centre. The rally actually begins at 7 p.m., but
members of the public are invited to come down early to check out
displays and get information from experts in prevention and treatment.

The city of Prince Albert was a leader in the province in coming up
with a comprehensive strategy for dealing with meth and other
substance abuse issues. Now the community must show it has the
dedication and determination to see this long-term project through to the end.

Some of the buzz around this topic has died down, but the community's
determination to break the chains of crystal meth in the community should not.