Pubdate: Fri, 08 Jul 2005 Source: Outlook, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Outlook Contact: http://www.northshoreoutlook.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1433 Author: Cindy Silver Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1061.a04.html METH MESSAGE MUST GET OUT Editor, In his column last week, Denny Boyd made some important observations about the dangers of crystal meth use when he discussed Bill Good's award-winning program on this subject (Teens need to know." June 30 issue). Crystal meth is inexpensive, readily available, highly addictive, and can quickly result in permanent neurological damage to a young person. When I listened to Bill Good's program on this topic, I had a similar response to Boyd's - young people need to hear this message. While it is true that today's youth are distracted by TV, music and cell phones, it has been proven time and again that educating youth about the dangers of substance use helps them make better choices. For example, fewer kids smoke today because health agencies and school districts have worked hard to educate them about the long-term damage to human health caused by smoking. Bill Good's program on crystal meth could be a very effective tool in a classroom setting to educate youth and facilitate discussion among them regarding the perils of this drug. This is a possibility that, in my opinion, our North Shore school districts should consider. Cindy Silver North Vancouver School Trustee - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin