The National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit, in collaboration with the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), under the authority of the OAS, is hosting the first ever in-country training and certification program on drugs and violence.
The training seeks to provide individuals with the best practices in the development and implementation of drug abuse prevention programs, and to certify to their knowledge, competencies, and skills in the delivery of such services.
At the program’s opening ceremony, on Monday, Drug Abuse Prevention Officer for the West, Malcolm St. Rose, stated that the program seeks to significantly reduce the demand for drugs on this island, through training persons to treat and deal with drug abuse and violence.
“This will greatly assist in building capacity on-island in dealing and treating with the three major aspects of substance abuse and violence, namely: prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation,” he said. “You will be called upon to utilize the skills, knowledge, and competencies that you will acquire throughout this training in assisting us in our programs.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Environment, Helen Royer, who was also present at the event, revealed the origin of the program.
“This program was designed by the OAS to develop and strengthen member states’ institutions, policies, and strategies regarding treatment and rehabilitation for individuals with problems stemming from drug abuse and violence.
The ultimate goal is that member states will have a professional workforce providing optimal standards of care in drug treatment and prevention services, she noted.
Participants in the program were asked to view the initiative as an investment in their personal development.
Royer expressed her hope that the investment will “translate to a reduction in the production, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs among our people, and in the curbing of violence in every shape and form.”
Training will be conducted over eleven (11) days, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from June 6 to June 29, 2016, at the Public Service Union Building conference room.
This seems like a great program.
It looks like it will be available to people in various occupations not just to those who deal directly with drugs and violence on a daily basis. This would be very useful. Troubled people are found in very walk of life. None of us known when we will be in a situation with somebody who needs help. The drug problem is so widespread there should be people everywhere who are equipped to serve the need.
One thing that is needed is knowledgeable people who can go into the schools and talk to the students about drugs. Also people who can work as support staff in rehabilitation centers, group homes, etc.
I hope the materials will be available across national lines. It would be good to see branches of this work in Canada. We have rehabilitation centers but not enough. The waiting list at the best of them keeps those who need help the most waiting far too long.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist. (Pastor Counselor Certificate)
Drug abuse is a symptom of personal and economic stress. The world is waking up to the real cost of the war on drugs. It creates more violence and more crime and more stress on society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5sOh4gKPIg
It shouldn’t take the OAS to tell us that the way to minimise harm from drugs is to end drug prohibition and set up a real rehab centre.
Steve, you probably got it. But it’s all about Marijuana. Prison for marijuana users and setting up rehab centers and rehab programs for Meth, coke, heroine and other hard drug junkies because they feel sorry for those who look more like them as “opiate” users.