METH TASK FORCE NEEDS NEW HEAD

Funding may be at an end for the Crystal Meth Task Force, but it
seems the public is interested in more education.

"There's a lot of interest from the task force to continue on, maybe
as a substance abuse committee," said Karley Trauzzi, who headed up
the task force.

Comments from a recent public forum on crystal meth show that the
public is also interested in learning more. Those who responded said
they were interested in more awareness of crystal meth for children,
learning how to talk to friends and family members that may be
exposed to the drug, and on having more forums.

"There has been some talk about a forum series on substance abuse,"
said Trauzzi. "I think some people really want more information. To
continue we would need more community support."

However, in order for any substance abuse task force or forum series
to go forth, there would be a need for additional funding. The
original Crystal Meth Task Force was funded by the Union of British
Columbia Municipalities in June 2006. The project included a public
awareness and education campaign, and development of solutions within
the community.

Throughout the past year the task force aE" which consisted of 15
members from various organizations in the community aE"A has brought
the issue of crystal meth to the forefront of people's minds. A play
called Cranked was performed for Revelstoke Secondary School
students with follow-up presentations for students taking Planning
10. Don't Meth Around Bracelets were developed and given out and
educational materials such as the videos Dark Crystal and Rewind were
collected. As well, pamphlets and fact sheets were made available to
the public.

According to the Community Responses to Methamphetamine: Final
Report and Recommendations "the community also made it clear they
desire a made-in-Revelstoke solution for those individuals
and families struggling with abuse with the suggested creation and
development of a substance abuse treatment facility and/or a detox centre."

Trauzzi said if people still have questions they can contact her
through Community Connections.

As for continuing on with a task force, Trauzzi said while she
wouldn't chair the task force, she would be interested in being involved.

"It would be really great, but we'd need someone to head the
project," she said.