The City of Minot’s admirable initiative, the Mayor’s Committee on Addiction, is in action and seeking members of the community to contribute by serving on subcommittees.

So, the questions are: does the city’s addiction problem trouble you, do you feel you have something to offer, and will you step up to invest of yourself in trying to be part of the solution.

If you can answer tentatively yes to those questions, then Minot needs you.

The subcommittees are:

® Education/Outreach, focusing on getting information to the community to prevent addiction and providing lists of resources for those seeking help. Chairman is Paul Stroklund, whose family has dealt with addiction.

® Family services, focusing on supports for families and increasing family involvement to support addicted members. Chairwoman is Patti Eisenzimmer, whose family has dealt with addiction.

® Treatment, focusing on addiction treatment options. Chairman is Mark Schaefer, regional manager with Community Medical Services.

® Aftercare, including recovery services and post-treatment education, jobs and housing. Chairman is Mark Vollmer, superintendent of Minot Public Schools.

® Health/Safety, addressing impacts related to needle use, violence and other issues. Chairwoman is Lisa Clute, executive director at First District Health Unit.

The committee’s holistic approach to examining the issue and hopefully crafting a plan to address the challenges it presents is laudable.

The committee’s chance of actually accomplishing something might depend on community support.

Members of the community are being sought to fill seats and bring expertise to these subcommittees. People interested can contact the subcommittee chairperson or mayor’s office.

How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world. – Anne Frank