FORUM ON DRUG ABUSE

Parents and residents are invited to learn about substance abuse among
young people in the community from those who confront the issue daily.

In partnership with the Surrey RCMP, the Surrey School District has
organized a forum on Oct. 20.

While elementary students will attend a morning session and secondary
students will attend in the afternoon, the evening portion of the
day-long event is open to all community members. Attendees will hear
from:

* RCMP Drug Prevention Unit Sgt. Bob Hall, who will discuss the latest
trends in substance abuse, particularly involving crystal meth;

* two mothers of teen crystal meth addicts who have formed Grief to
Action - a support group for parents of teen drug addicts;

* addiction worker Gerome Bouvier of Pacific Community Resources;
and

* a representative from Maple Cottage Youth Detox.

Information pamphlets will be available and discussion and questions
from students and parents will also provide valuable support for the
school district's Substance Abuse - Steps to Prevention program for
elementary students.