Peel public health launches new drug Web site for parents

Peel Public Health introduced a new Web site for parents looking to obtain information and resources for talking to children about drugs. The Web site, talkaboutdrugs.ca, provides information that could only previously be obtained in print form.

"With many Peel students admitting to have tried marijuana before entering high school, we realize how important it is to equip parents with the tools to communicate with teens about substance abuse as early as they see fit," said Elizabeth Amorim, supervisor of the alcohol, drugs and addictions team. "Parents asked us for quick and easy access to information. They want information they can trust at their fingertips. This Web site enables us to provide that."

Topics found on the Web site include signs and symptoms of drug use, common reasons for experimentation with drugs, an overview of commonly used drugs, and statistics on drug use in Peel and across Canada. A "Need Help Now" section of the Web site contains a list of organizations that provide treatment and support services.

Follow-up programming for parents is also currently in development and will be available in early 2007.

The launch of the Web site coincides with Drug Awareness Week, Nov. 20 to 26. For more information on Drug Awareness Week, visit the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse Web site at ccsa.ca.

Anyone interested in attending a presentation or receiving additional information on drugs is encouraged to call Region of Peel, Public Health at 905-799-7700.

For more information on the Region of Peel, please call 905-791-7800, or visit our Web site at peelregion.ca.