FORUM INFORMS PARENTS

The Drug Force Response Task Force is will continue to educate students,
parents and the community about the dangers of drug use.

The second public forum was held at CCHS Jan. 30 with about 100 parents in
attendance.

Chairman of the response team Kerry Laberge was pleased with the outcome.
The meeting focused on parents and how they can keep their children drug free.

"Everybody walked away with something of value," he said following the forum.

The forums he said are not only an educational avenue but also an
opportunity for dialogue.

The task force will re-group following the Jan. 30 presentation to decide
their next move.

For parents who are unable to attend the public forums, Laberge suggests
calling AADAC for immediate assistance.

Not only are Camrose students being educated about the dangers of crystal
meth so are students in the surrounding area. In total 18 rural schools
will participate in the discussions.

Students in Grades 4 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 will learn about the dangers
of drug use.

"We're also doing an evening presentation for parents and community members."

Aside from presentations, the task force is preparing a handbook, which
will be utilized by frontline workers to assist in the screening,
assessment, referral and treatment of individuals struggling with substance
abuse.

Caring cards have also been created and distributed to schools for youth to
access if they have a friend struggling with substance abuse.

With the task force's hard work and dedication to the project, the province
is looking at what they've accomplished as a model for other communities to
follow.