Drug Force Action Plan

After a year spent developing a better understanding of drug abuse, the Substance Abuse Task Force wrapped up its work with an action plan that makes short-, mid- and long-term suggestions for continuing to address key issues in the community.

The task force members were appointed from City Council, the RCMP, local counseling services, health-care agencies, the clergy, Penticton Indian Band, Chamber of Commerce, high schools and the public at large.

They met monthly throughout the year with a mandate to promote efforts to educate the community about substance abuse, learn more about the production, use and distribution of controlled substances and assess rehabilitation and treatment services in Penticton.

After conducting research and inviting local experts to teach them more about the key issues and availability of treatment plans, the task force has suggested the following action plan:

1.Short-term:

Promote the Prevention Awareness and Community Education (PACE) Crystal meth Program through the city's web site and use advertising

Promote implementation of the crime-free multi-housing program

Write to appropriate levels of government re: pseudoephedtine – used in making Crystal Meth – imports

Introduce a budget item for additional RCMP.

2.Mid-term:

Place related items on agenda for discussion and implementation at next joint meeting with School District #67

Place related items – especially establishment of a detoxification centre for the South Okanagan – for next meeting with Penticton Indian Band

For future meetings with RDOS, place related items on agenda, especially establishment of South Okanagan rehab centre.

3.Long-term:

Continue to promote support for existing programs by advocating for adequate levels of resources.