BARRIERE STARTS METH AWARE GROUP

The fledgling Barriere Against Drugs (B.A.D) group have started to develop
guiding policies and principles within the various committees that they
have formed.

Barriere resident Trina Hobson has taken on the committee for recovering
addicts called "Meth Aware".

"In 2003 we faced the wildfires which forced our community to come together
as a group in a way that I believe has made us unique," said Hobson last
Wednesday, " Our community comes together in crisis and supports each other
in adversity."

Hobson is a well educated and very astute individual who has an extensive
background in working with volunteer organizations and groups. She stated
that the members of B.A.D. believe it doesn't matter who brought up the
idea of organizing B.A.D., or who started to act on it - what is important
is the positive response from the community, and outlying areas.

Other towns from BC have also called to find out how they can organize and
create their own group to combat drugs in the community.

"How we have come together as a community and have committed ourselves to
improving our drug situation is an extremely positive step," said Hobson,
"We are no different from any other rural community that is currently
addressing drug abuse, but we have admitted there is a problem and have
dedicated ourselves to improving the situation."

Bringing awareness to the community and focusing on education and support
for those within the community are goals that are already set and being
implemented by B.A.D.

"Our school principals are working hard to keep our children safe and are
doing the best they can and should be thanked for their efforts to promote
drug and alcohol awareness," said Hobson," We must support them and our
RCMP throughout this endeavor."

Hobson stated that the recent "media frenzy" that Barriere is experiencing
after articles on drug abuse and the forming of B.A.D. have appeared in the
Star/Journal newspaper is a positive event.

"Anyone that thinks Barriere will get a black mark from this is mistaken,"
said Hobson, "Families with children, such as myself, need to know that
their community is not turning a blind eye to addiction problems. Addiction
happens in all communities. What makes Barriere unique and a better place
to raise our children is that we will not ignore the problem, our whole
community is gathering to provide education and support for those affected.
How can this be a negative?"

If you wish to find out more regarding Barriere Against Drugs please
contact the North Thompson Volunteer Centre at 672-0033.