GROUPS MERGE TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE

A marriage, celebrated in low-key fashion over sandwich wraps and cookies,
ushered in the merger of two groups committed to clear thinking and healthy
living.

Intent on bolstering their numbers and sharing a common vision, members of
the Orillia Community Action Committee (OCAC) and the Orillia Substance
Abuse Network (OSAN) agreed to join forces during a luncheon held at the
local office of the Simcoe County District Health Unit.

"History has been made," said public health nurse Kate Allen, shortly after
an informal vote. "Both groups could have dissolved, but that didn't
happen. We have brought together passionate people from each group."

Members of the newly-formed Orillia Substance Abuse Action Committee
(OSAAC) hope to build upon one another's strengths, while determining how
best to prevent the burnout that often leads to dwindling numbers of
volunteers.

"We've got some money, we've got people, we've got a focus," added Carolyn
Jones, also a public health nurse. "We've got everything it takes to move
forward."

Though differing in their approaches, both groups have for years aimed to
raise awareness about the health and social issues surrounding drugs and
alcohol.

In existence since 1999, OCAC has produced a resource package for parents
of children in Grades 6 through 9, outlining the steps necessary for safe
party planning.

OSAN's main initiative was a Drug and Alcohol-Free New Year's Eve
Celebration, an annual event so popular and well-attended that the
overburdened volunteer committee was eventually forced to approach Orillia
council for assistance.

Fearing the city's involvement would set a precedent and result in a flood
of similar requests from other organizations, council declined and the
event folded.

With the new alliance now under way, the group is in the midst of preparing
for Drug Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 17 - 23.

Statistics show that an estimated 40 per cent of Grade 11 students in
Ontario admitted to drinking to the point of illness, at least once in the
four weeks prior to a study conducted by the Centre for Addition and Mental
Health.

Between April 1, 2000 and March 31, 2001, Soldiers' Memorial Hospital
reported 150 emergency room admissions related to binge drinking.

Ten per cent of all hospital admissions result from the improper use of
prescription drugs.