www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, June 19, 2014 | 18 New Halton drug strategy years in the making by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Halton Region is a step closer to having a comprehensive strategy to help those struggling with substance use. Regional council voted Wednesday to receive a report that sets out the next move in the creation of a Halton Equitable Drug Strategy. The plan, seeks to reduce stigma and harm associated with substance use; boost access to community services; and ensure services are well-informed and of the highest quality. It has been in the making since October 2012. That's when Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn hosted a meeting to discuss how a drug strategy in Halton could be beneficial. Those attending heard about what was being done elsewhere, such as in Peterborough, Waterloo and Wellington-Guelph, and got a picture of drug use in Halton. Data from Halton Region indicates alcohol is the most commonly-used drug as 19 per cent -- higher than the provincial rate of 16 per cent -- of Halton residents aged 12 and over report heavy drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion). According to the Regional staff report, 12 per cent of Halton residents aged 15 and over report illicit drug use in the last year -- the same as provincial rates. The 2012 meeting ended with Regional Chair Gary Carr committing to work with key community partners to create a "made-inHalton" strategy. A steering committee was formed with members representing the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT), the Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), the Hal- ton District School Board (HDSB), the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB), the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Peer Outreach Support Services and Education (POSSE), and volunteers whose lives have been impacted by substance use. Last summer, the Region did a survey of Halton Substance Use Programs and Services to identify strengths and gaps. The poll found there are 18 substance use programs and services in Oakville, 16 in Burlington, 17 in Milton and 14 in Halton Hills. "Any programming or services that are imsee Cash on p.20 BEST PRICE BEST SELECTION BEST EXPERIENCE SALE! Burlington Summer June 19th to 23rd 5D Da ay Sa Sal le e! Our s sto tor res es are are pet pet frie fri frien end ndl dl ly! y! Safe Meeting, or exceeding the high standards of the Day Nurseries Act. June 19Jun 19-23, 23, 201 2014 s.c .co .c .co com m Cal C all, all, l, C Clic lick lick or or Com Come In! In n!! re r en ns sp pet pe ets Door Crashers Deals Fri. Sat. Sun. r best sale flyer MISS ou y T ' N per this week et... a p s DO w e n ! ur In yo Kitchener Educational Exclusive "Wee Learn" Reliable Worry free Learn more weewatch.com Call today: 905-285-9933 program promotes learning through play for all ages. $5 $5 $1 15 5 Buy Buy uy O One ne Get G et et O One ne $20 Buy B uy u yO One ne Get G et e tO One ne 4002 Trafalgar Rd. 1525 Victoria St. N. 2424 Queensway Dr. 20 Brock Rd. N. Oakville Guelph FREE FRE E FREE FRE E flexible hours and RECE supported. (In the Walmart Plaza) 94 Dundas St. E. Waterdown Woodbridge 3900 Highway 7 Unit 6 Sale Pricing valid June 19-23, 2014. See online or in store. ts www.renspets.com CrewMax 1794 Edition We're giving away $10,000 to help support a community project and you could win*! Enter online or visit one of our events where you can get up close and personal with the completely redesigned 2014 Tundra. For more information and to find out where our events are being held in your area, visit us online at toyota.ca/tundraprojects. * No purchase necessary. Contest closes 11/30/14. Visit www.toyota.ca/tundraprojects for full contest rules. toyota.ca