DRUG FORUM TRIES NEW APPROACH

A drug forum promising "facts for the family and hope for the future" is
coming to high schools in Aldergrove and Brookswood in March.

"Most drug forums typically organize experts in the addictions field to
each present their material about drugs," said Barry MacDonald,
co-ordinator with Langley School District's Secondary Students at
Educational Risk program.

"We have decided to take a different approach. Our drug forums will use a
'talk show' or 'town hall' format, focussing on parents and youth, while
drawing upon the input of experts as needed. There will be 30 minutes set
aside to ask questions."

MacDonald will host the event and is currently working with the team of 13
guests to ensure that the drug forum presents information that is
informative, concise, and useful to community members.

Community groups throughout Langley have joined forces to sponsor this
forum. Open to parents and teachers, the forum will feature a panel of
youth, parents and experts in the field. The cost is only $5 each.

The first forum will be held Wednesday, March 2, 7-9 p.m. at Aldergrove
Secondary, followed on Thursday, March 10, 7-9 p.m. at Brookswood
Secondary. Registration forms must be submitted to Langley School District
or local schools by the deadline of Feb. 28.