HELP KEEP LOCAL KIDS CLEAN

Presentation To Create Awareness And Prevent Drug Use In The Park

Sherwood Park News -- Some issues require more than just individual
attention; more than just a family's attention.

Some issues require the attention of a whole community.

The issue of children and drugs is one of these.

This is one message that will be presented at the Keep Kids Clean: The
Inside Story on Drugs.

The presentation, hosted by Parents Empowering Parents and the
Strathcona County Drug and Alcohol Strategy, will feature the
following guest speakers:

Michelle Boden, creator of an award-winning news series on crystal
methamphetamines and their effects.

Sgt. Ian Sanderson of the RCMP drug awareness team, who will
discuss statistics and new trends.

Audrey Bjornstad, a parent who has experienced the effects of
having a child with a substance addiction.

Adolescents who have been involved with and experienced the
effects of substance usage.

Maralyn Benay, a family support worker with McMan Agency, says the
evening is about creating awareness about drugs in the community and
in families.

"The important message is not if your kid is involved in drugs go to
this, it isn't that at all. It is a family affair."

It's also a proactive event which Benay believes will benefit
immediate and extended family members, as well as community workers,
teachers, and medical professionals.

"It is overall education and prevention to show that we care about our
kids," she added.

The evening will not only focus on the often-highlighted crystal meth
situation, but will also address substances such as alcohol and marijuana.

One of the sponsoring organizations, Parents Em-powering Parents
(PEP), is a support group for anyone involved in parenting who's
concerned or suspicious about their child and drugs.

The group is one of the first in Alberta and works to empower parents
through education, knowledge and support.

Benay says the evening demonstrates Strathcona County is on the cusp
of creating solutions for substance abuse in children.

"We are really excited," she said. "We're even having a great response
from other communities."

However, Benay still notes that while educating and creating
sustainable and effective knowledge of substance abuse is one of the
keys for communities to combat drug use problems, it is not nearly
enough.

Treatment centres designed for children are desperately needed, she
said, noting addicts need safe places for detoxification and the
development of healthy nutrition patterns and activities.

One start to creating facilities will come in the form of the Keep
Kids Clean presentation as the proceeds from the event will be donated
to youth drug treatment initiatives.

The presentation takes place at Festival Place on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 and are available at Nor-Med Rehab Centre, McMan Youth
Family and Community Services, and Correctional Services.