METH MESSAGE MUST GET OUT

Editor,

In his column last week, Denny Boyd made some important observations
about the dangers of crystal meth use when he discussed Bill Good's
award-winning program on this subject (Teens need to know." June 30
issue).

Crystal meth is inexpensive, readily available, highly addictive, and
can quickly result in permanent neurological damage to a young person.

When I listened to Bill Good's program on this topic, I had a similar
response to Boyd's - young people need to hear this message.

While it is true that today's youth are distracted by TV, music and
cell phones, it has been proven time and again that educating youth
about the dangers of substance use helps them make better choices.

For example, fewer kids smoke today because health agencies and school
districts have worked hard to educate them about the long-term damage
to human health caused by smoking.

Bill Good's program on crystal meth could be a very effective tool in
a classroom setting to educate youth and facilitate discussion among
them regarding the perils of this drug.

This is a possibility that, in my opinion, our North Shore school
districts should consider.

Cindy Silver

North Vancouver School Trustee