DRUG USE A COMMUNITY PROBLEM

Last Tuesday's drug presentation at St. Mary's school may have been
alarming to some Taberites in attendance.

But for the approximately 150 people in attendance, it was information
they needed to hear. Taber has a drug problem plain and simple.

Many other communities are dealing with the same issues, and to put
our collective heads in the sand and think there is not a problem here
serves no useful purpose.

The fact only 150 Taberites attended, compared to only 30 who took in
the police department's last drug presentation, shows there is a
growing commitment among locals to learn more about the problem and
face it head on.

It also shows there is a growing concern about drugs in our community.

The turnout to last week's presentation should be seen as a positive,
but it is how the community handles the issue from here which will be
key.

Drugs ruin individual lives, create stress within families, schools,
peer groups and ultimately, the community as a whole.

It is not right to assume drugs will only create problems only for the
demographic involved in drug use and trafficking.

Drugs are a systematic cause of social ills, health problems and an
increase in crime rates, particularly when you are talking about drugs
such as cocaine.

As usual, prevention is the best medicine.

Making sure you child, your student or player on your team make the
right choices is the responsibility of everyone in the community.

Taberites need to be vigilant in fighting the battle against drug use
in town. It's certainty a battle worth fighting.