COMMUNITY MUST FIGHT DRUG WAR

A booming economy and massive growth is bringing drug fueled big city
problems to the Hat, but we maintain a small town approach, says
Diane Purdy chair of the Medicine Hat Community Drug Council (MHCDC).

"We have a major drug problem in Medicine Hat, and it's getting
worse," added Purdy.

"We think we will continue to be safe, but every day they (dealers)
get better."

Cocaine and crystal meth are devastating the community, said Purdy.
We have crack houses in our neighbourhoods, drugs deteriorating our
families and increased crime.

"Drugs affect everybody," she continued. "If we turn a blind eye,
eventually it's going to cost Medicine Hat in dollars, resources,
family members and friends."

It's not only up to the police, health care workers and schools to
solve the problem. It needs to be a community-generated effort,
explained Purdy.

"We as a community need to say we've had enough."

It only takes passion and dedication, she continued. "We need to show
people they can attack it now and make a difference.

"All we have to do is make Medicine Hat a tough place to do business
for drug dealers."

But first, we need to recognize the problem.

"So many people do not until drugs strike their family and they
realize what little support is available for them," added Purdy.

Thanks to $6,900 in new funding from the City of Medicine Hat, the
MHCDC is developing two new programs to bring awareness and support to the Hat.

The first, retail training kits, will aid business owners recognize
red-flagged purchases that can lead to the detection of drug activity.

"To scare off manufacturers of drugs and show that the businesses are
supporting the community," said Purdy.

The second is a support network for those battling drugs in their
families and homes.

New Chief of police Gord Earl sees the MHCDC as a "very important"
piece of the drug fighting puzzle.

"Connecting all the groups to best handle the issues is the goal,"
added Earl. Although the Medicine Hat Police Service participates and
supports the council, it needs to be community driven and maintain a
presence in the city.

"Now is the time. Before we have a huge problem on our hands," Earl continued.

The drugs that are saturating the Hat are; cocaine, crack and crystal
meth, not marijuana. This increases the risk, says Purdy. These
easily accessible, highly addictive and extremely potent drugs
destroy lives and communities.

And not just urban centres, but especially small communities, says
Ald. Julie Friesen, member of the Medicine Hat Police Commission and
a founding player in the MHCDC.

"Unless there is a total community approach. We won't be effective,"
stated Friesen.

The MHCDC takes a three pronged approach to battling drugs; awareness
and education, prevention, and enforcement. To join their fight check
out the next MHCDC meeting on Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Courtyard
room of the Medicine Hat College. Or call Diane Purdy at 527-9466.