SAP getting people to ‘Focus’

As barbecue season approaches, the local Substance Abuse Prevention program is targeting party-goers with its “Focus” home party pack.
“The idea behind it is for people to host safer parties,” said SAP co-ordinator Elaine Caron.
Aimed at those holding large house parties or special occasion permit holders, the pack promises more than just pamphlets, said Caron.
“It should be an interesting pack. We’re looking at cab vouchers, a shot glass, mock-tail recipes,” she noted.
“We don’t want people to just set it down. We want them to be able to use it to remain aware of safety,” she stressed.
One important aspect of the pack is information on the liabilities of being a party host.
“A lot of people don’t know about [liability]. But people should know there’s been cases when hosts have been charged after particular incidents,” said Caron.
Although not confirmed, the party pack should be available at the Beer Store and LCBO outlets, where Caron said people should start thinking about safety before the party begins.
She also was excited that “Focus” would be one of SAP’s farthest-reaching projects yet.
“It should be a regional campaign that goes beyond the health unit here,” Caron noted. “The packs will be available in Kenora, Dryden, Rainy River, Emo, Red Lake, Ear Falls and Fort Frances.
“It’s never been done in this area. But similar ventures have been done elsewhere with great success,” she enthused.
Like most SAP projects, “Focus” will be a co-operative effort between the Northwestern Health Unit, OPP, Rainy River Future Development Corp., and others.
Where there is no health unit, party packs will be distributed by these partners.