DRUG FORUM SEEKS INPUT

On the heals of the Interior Health Authority's latest plan to address
youth addictions comes a chance for public input and answers on youth,
addiction and the harm reduction model of addressing these issues.

This Friday, the local foster parent association hosts a forum on
drugs and harm reduction, attracting some of the cornerstone
proponents of harm reduction models in B.C.

Joining a panel for the Central Okanagan Four Pillars Coalition is
Vancouver activist Ann Livingston, of the Vancouver Area Network on
Drug Users, former Vancouver mayor Phillip Owen, who first championed
the four pillars approach, and Meth Kickers founder Bob Hughes.

Each will provide insight on the problems families coping with
addiction issues face, what harm reduction means and what options are
available to those fostering children with addiction issues.

"We are constantly working hand in hand with children and parents who
are addicted," said Jessica Macfarlane, president of the local B.C.
Federation of Foster Parents Association chapter.

"We want people to see what options are open to them."

The group has already signed up 60 people, but hopes the actual
turnout doubles.

At a similar spring event on crystal meth, they garnered 120
participants, largely social service providers.

Ann Livingston, who arrives Thursday, said she plans to let parents
ask the questions they need answers to, describing VANDU's ongoing
efforts to secure and broaden pilot initiatives brought forth by
Vancouver's four pillars approach to drug use. "You want to celebrate
what a victory this is but at the same time we really have to keep
pushing," she said of initiatives like that city's safe injection
site. "We really need a whole network of facilities."

Whereas the safe injection site sees some 600 injections per day,
estimates show another 15,000 injections occur in the 10-block radius
around the site.

To register, contact Macfarlane at 250-861-3772.

Registration costs $35 for BCFFPA members, $45 for non-members.