Over 130 professionals trained in US - Jamaica partnership against substance abuse

The U.S. Embassy, through its International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section (INL), sponsored a series of capacity building programs in a joint effort to reduce drug abuse in Jamaica.

From July 6 - July 20, over 130 medical professionals from across the island, including counselors from the Bellevue Hospital and the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), an agency within the Ministry of Health & Wellness, were equipped with technical skills and tools required to treat patients confronting substance misuse and other mental health disorders. 

In a statement to THE STAR, the US Embassy said the program sought to establish specialised drug treatment, within the island’s only mental health hospital, where over 80 percent of patients require specialised drug treatment, to support their recovery from mental health disorders.  

"As part of the U.S. Government’s efforts to reduce drug demand, INL has provided approximately $3.1 million dollars in assistance, to the NCDA.  This effort is part of a comprehensive drug strategy to reduce illicit drug supply, prevent and treat substance misuse disorders,"the statement read.

It continued: "Other INL-supported initiatives with the NCDA include a public education campaign, an anti-drug digital campaign for children and adolescents, and the provision of alcohol and drug testing kits."

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