WEST VAN SECONDARY HOLDS A DRUG TALK

PARENTS of West Vancouver secondary students will have an opportunity to
learn more about substance abuse among young people Thursday night.

West Vancouver secondary parent advisory council is partnering with the
West Vancouver Police Department to help parents with teens recognize the
signs and symptoms of drug use during an evening information session.

According to Insp. Bob Fontaine, the event's goal is to provide a safe
forum for parents of teens to learn about how substances affect the health
of young people and how parents can encourage their teens to make healthy
choices.

"As a police department, we're here to help kids get off drugs and a large
part of that is to try to educate children on the dangers of
experimentation," said Fontaine.

"We will also have a question-and-answer session for parents to clarify
myths about drugs or seek assistance of the police in dealing with drug use
issues."

Parents will also learn how to access community resources and support
services if their teen has a drug abuse problem.

Guest speakers will include a police officer who is a drug-recognition
expert, and a drug and alcohol abuse counsellor.

Two parents will share their personal experiences in dealing with their
children's substance abuse problems.

In addition, West Vancouver secondary drama students will perform a short
skit in collaboration with members of the West Vancouver Police Department

The two-hour information session is free.

It will be held in the main gym at West Vancouver secondary at 1170 Mathers
Ave. from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.