A new campaign is aiming to encourage youth to say no to meth.
The public is invited to join local MLAs, Penticton Mayor Jake Kimberley and Solicitor General John Les at Cherry Lane shopping centre today at 1:30 p.m. as a part of the introduction of the second phase in the "no2meth" campaign.
"This drug has a devastating effect on communities and I'm pleased the city is participating in the next phase of the program to help our youth say no to crystal meth," said Kimberley.
Fire chief Wayne Williams and South Okanagan RCMP Staff-Sgt. Kurt Lozinski will also be in attendance as the second phase of the program encourages parents, youth and community members to use as a resource for information on how to approach and speak to children about meth and how to get help for those using the drug. The program is co-ordinated by city, the school district and the RCMP Community Policing section.
"It takes a community to raise a child and a community to fight an epidemic," said Lozinski. "We see this program as a positive contribution to the RCMP's mandate of safer homes and communities and look forward to our continued partnerships with the city and school district."
The City of Penticton and School District No. 67 vehicles will also display "no2meth" decals as a part of an effort to create awareness of the province's website.
"The school district is pleased to support the 'no2meth' program which will help to educate the public about this drug and will assist with prevention efforts," said school board chair Larry Little.
Funds supporting the second phase of the prevention programs were provided by a grant from the provincial government and this program is the follow-up to the Prevention, Awareness Community Education training sessions and forum help last June.
