YORK'S POT STRATEGY NO DUPLICATION

Re: York public health should await details of national pot strategy,
editorial, April 17.

Thank you for highlighting concerns about marijuana use in your editorial.
It is important, however, to clarify a point of concern.

We appreciate the issues surrounding marijuana use evoke strong personal
and professional reactions.

York Region health services is committed to providing accurate, credible
and current facts about the effects of marijuana use and engaging reactions
in meaningful dialogues around the health effects of marijuana.

For those of us on the front line of this important work, we were concerned
about the statement our marijuana program duplicates federal initiatives.

It was, in fact, designed to complement it. The national drug strategy
provides 41 recommendations, 10 of which speak directly to the public
health approach to prevention, education and treatment.

To quote the federal Policy for a New Millennium, "It is education about,
rather than against, drugs -- the facts. It's also the facts about the
benefits, not just the risks. It is credible, accurate information -- no
propaganda.

It acknowledges the appeal of drugs ... but also acknowledges the flip side
- -- the risks and the consequences."

Given such clear federal directives, it is unclear how The Era-Banner would
be concerned the health department would, in any way, "contribute to [a]
lack of co-ordination".

Rather, it seems clear our campaign will complement federal, provincial and
municipal efforts.

Residents are welcome to learn more about our substance abuse prevention
initiatives by calling Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.

Wendy Cronkwright

Manager Substance Abuse Prevention Program

York Region Health Services