FEDS HELP TEENS FIGHT SUBSTANCE ABUSE

CLINTON -- A new project designed to help youths address teen drinking in
Huron County was given a $232,809 boost from the federal government on the
weekend.

Federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh and Huron-Bruce MPP Paul Steckle made
the announcement at the Huron County Health Unit in Clinton Saturday
afternoon. The money will cover the next two years and is part of the
government's Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund.

The new project, which will be run by teens, will involve an interactive
website, called Spark Youth, that may include a chat room and online
professional advice to help with substance abuse. The site will include
information on addiction, employment, self-esteem, community involvement
and education.

Huron County Health Unit director Penny Nelligan said she hopes the new
program will be used as a template in communities across Canada.

Huron County community developer Bonnie Baynham said the Health Unit has
been very engaged with young people in the county. Huron County teens have
identified violence and bullying, substance abuse and stress as the most
pressing issues. While an anti-bullying program has already started, the
new Spark website will address substance abuse.

According to stats from the Health Unit, the Grey Bruce Huron Perth region
has a higher rate of binge drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion)
than the Ontario average. Also, more drivers in the region , compared to
the provincial average, report drinking and driving at least once in the
past year. Huron County has the highest morbidity ratios in Ontario for
motor vehicle occupants and hospitalization rates for motor vehicle
occupants for those aged 16-24. Huron's rates are more than three times the
provincial average for males.

Four local youths and a website developer will be hired for the new
program. Professionals will train them to council other youths in the region.

Experts from McMaster University will evaluate the program and work with
the youths.

Nelligan said the Health Unit is excited to work with local youths and have
them develop strategies.

"The beauty of public health is getting people involved," she said.

Dosanjh said the program has grown out of local needs and imagination and
involves the county and several partners.

"I'm delighted," he said of the program, adding that he's impressed youths
will do the work to deal with the substance abuse problem.

South Huron councillor and chairperson of the county's health committee Ken
Oke said the government will get good value for their money.

"We're excited about it."

Steckle said today's youths are much more involved in their community than
they used to be.

"Once young people recognize there is a problem and they become involved,
things can happen," he said.

The program is slated to run until March 2007, although Baynham says she
hopes the website will continue.

Other partners in the project include Ontario Students Against Impaired
Driving, Willing Workers, Avon Maitland District School Board, Huron Perth
Catholic District School Board, Women Today of Huron, Foundation for
Enriching Education, Huron Safe Homes for Youth and the University of
Western Ontario.