Valued program

It’s no secret that alcohol and drug abuse is a serious problem here in Rainy River District—and every effort aimed at combating it is needed.
That includes the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team, which will have to fold up its tent come March 31, 2009 unless the provincial government comes through with renewed funding.
The local SAPT, one of 22 sites across the province funded under the FOCUS Community Projects program, has been extremely proactive over its 17-year lifespan trying to drive home the dangers, especially to our youth, of alcohol and drug abuse. It was a driving force behind the popular “chem-free” grad party at Fort Frances High School as well as the recently-formed Parents Against Illicit Narcotics (P.A.I.N.), among others.
It also brings in guest speakers to reinforce its message, and those of like-minded programs such as D.A.R.E. and P.A.R.T.Y., to students across the district.
The SAPT is circulating a petition it hopes local residents will sign. It’s also appealing to individuals, groups, and agencies to write letters of support, which will be forwarded to Health Promotion minister Margarett Best at Queen’s Park.
The initial deadline for the SAPT to make its case was yesterday, but so overwhelming was the response that it was given an extension until next Friday (Dec. 5) to drum up as much support as possible.
Clearly, the community understands the importance of this program.
At the same time, every voice counts. It is the people who must speak up if the province is to be swayed to continue funding the SAPT and programs like it.
Overcoming alcohol and drug abuse is a long, tough battle. Now certainly isn’t the time to shut down front-line initiatives just when they’re needed most.