"The response has been overwhelming and demonstrates the desire by British Columbians to take positive action against the use and production of the drug in our province," said Les. "There are now 190 communities and First Nations groups that have created local programs aimed at educating and raising awareness about the dangers of crystal meth use."

Examples of the projects include local Meth Watch programs, a youth peer support strategy, a website for at-risk youth to receive support, recruitment and training of First Nations' outreach workers, a cultural program aimed at traditional healing for communities affected by the drug, and public information and awareness forums. The grants were reviewed and approved by the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

"Communities have a vital role to play. They are closest to the problem and, with these grants, are in a better position to find innovative solutions," said Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services. "By working with the UBCM and local governments, we can help communities - and their organizations - increase public awareness of the dangers of crystal meth."

"The grant has been a great help. Within 10 days of receiving it we were able to place a detailed two-page colour insert in our daily paper that helped educate 80,000 households in our community about the meth challenge," said Mark McLaughlin, president of the Crystal Meth Victoria Society. "It also helped us to deliver our Meth Education show to over 8,000 school kids on the south end of Vancouver Island."

A joint effort between the Nak'azdli Band and the community of Fort St. James has also resulted in the formation of a program called Meth Battle, which offers information and awareness activities to local schools and elsewhere in the community.

For more information on the Community Crystal Methamphetamine Response grants by community, log on to www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/crystalmeth/funding.htm