CITY CONTINUES EFFORTS TO COMBAT CRYSTAL METH USE

A new campaign is aiming to encourage youth to say no to meth.

The public is invited to join local MLAs, Penticton Mayor Jake
Kimberley and Solicitor General John Les at Cherry Lane shopping
centre today at 1:30 p.m. as a part of the introduction of the second
phase in the "no2meth" campaign.

"This drug has a devastating effect on communities and I'm pleased the
city is participating in the next phase of the program to help our
youth say no to crystal meth," said Kimberley.

Fire chief Wayne Williams and South Okanagan RCMP Staff-Sgt. Kurt
Lozinski will also be in attendance as the second phase of the program
encourages parents, youth and community members to use as a resource
for information on how to approach and speak to children about meth
and how to get help for those using the drug. The program is
co-ordinated by city, the school district and the RCMP Community
Policing section.

"It takes a community to raise a child and a community to fight an
epidemic," said Lozinski. "We see this program as a positive
contribution to the RCMP's mandate of safer homes and communities and
look forward to our continued partnerships with the city and school
district."

The City of Penticton and School District No. 67 vehicles will also
display "no2meth" decals as a part of an effort to create awareness of
the province's website.

"The school district is pleased to support the 'no2meth' program which
will help to educate the public about this drug and will assist with
prevention efforts," said school board chair Larry Little.

Funds supporting the second phase of the prevention programs were
provided by a grant from the provincial government and this program is
the follow-up to the Prevention, Awareness Community Education
training sessions and forum help last June.