Strategy for Reduction of Crystal Methamphetamine Use

Whereas the use, addiction and death rate from use of crystal methamphetamines and other amphetamines continue to increase within British Columbia, resulting in serious health, social, and economic consequences for individuals, families and communities; and Whereas the BC Ministry of Health Services released its report, Crystal Meth and Other Amphetamines: An Integrated BC Strategy in August, 2004 which identified five priorities for action and other recommendations, including: 1 increased public awareness and education to minimize the consequences of usage through prevention, early intervention and treatment; 2 control the supply of over-the-counter ingredients that can be used to manufacture methamphetamine; reduce the production and trafficking of the drug and prevent crimes associated with methamphetamine use; 3 identify key at risk groups; 4 increase skills of service providers; and 5 reduce individual harm; Therefore be it resolved that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the Province of British Columbia to act expeditiously by expanding and implementing a coordinated response to the use of crystal methamphetamine as recommended in its report, Crystal Meth and Other Amphetamines: An Integrated BC Strategy, by providing accessible resources, including funding to municipalities, regional districts and other community-based partners needed to address this growing problem.