News Release Archive
HEALTH--YARMOUTH-MEDALLION OF DISTINCTION ------------------------------------------------------------ The Yarmouth Committee on Drug Awareness and Prevention was awarded the Medallion of Distinction from the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse today at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital. It's all part of National Drug Awareness Week from Nov. 19 to Nov. 25. "We are very pleased the Yarmouth committee is being recognized nationally for its many initiatives to generate awareness of drug issues in Yarmouth," said Health Minister Ron Stewart. "It exemplifies how community-based programs benefit citizens." This award is in recognition of the Yarmouth committee's ongoing dedication and commitment in the area of drug prevention and community education. A seven-part cable television series focusing on drug addictions and the development of an educational resource package for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, under the Community Support Program of Canada's Drug Strategy, are among the many projects initiated by the committee. It also supports Kids Against Drugs and Drinking groups in three schools in Yarmouth. In the 1970s, the Committee was influential in the development of the Addiction Treatment Centre and the South West Drug Dependency Services Division. The Yarmouth Committee on Drug Awareness and Prevention works in partnership with many volunteer and professional organizations including: home and school associations of the Yarmouth School District; local Teens Against Drinking and Driving (TADD) and Kids Against Drugs and Drinking (KADD) groups; the Acadia Band and the Nova Scotia Department of Health Drug Dependency Services Division. The Yarmouth committee is comprised of volunteer community representatives. The Medallion of Distinction was established in partnership with all provinces and territories to honour the finest achievements of dedicated volunteers and professionals. Winners of the medallion are chosen by provincial and territorial selection committee and receive the award during Drug Awareness Week. -30- Contact: Sue McKeage 902-424-3581 jlw Nov. 21, 1995