Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 14, 2016 (SKNIS): Following the intense training and certification programmes for drug and violence prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis can now boast of an organization that is geared towards helping to eradicate substance abuse.
The recently established Drug Prevention and Treatment Services (DPATS) Inc. was officially launched on Wednesday, September 14 at the Doreen McMahon Conference Room (Customs Building) during a brief but vital ceremony organized by the St. Kitts and Nevis National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention.
On February 13, 2016, fifty-seven (57) persons within the human, social, and mental and security services graduated as Drug Prevention and Treatment Specialists. These professionals were chosen by their supervisors after meeting certain qualifications to benefit from the University of the West Indies (UWI) certified training. This initiative was funded by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) under the Program for Drug and Violence Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation (PROCCER). The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis also contributed to the programme and the trainings were coordinated through the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention.
Mr. Michael Morton, Vice Chairman of the National Drug Council, said that he considers the organization to be one of the most important groups in the nation’s history.
“Our Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is now equipped therefore with a cadre of professionals who can assist individuals, communities, companies and other groups in need, through your organization of specialist treatment in drug abuse prevention and cure, an opportunity which we never had before,” said Mr. Morton. “Today, our country stands proud knowing that we have a group such as you to aid us in our search to bring help for those in need of it.
The Vice Chairman noted that the formation of the DPATS Inc. is indicative of the Specialists’ commitment to the St. Kitts and Nevis National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention, as well as to the further development of the country.
Mr. Morton stated that the group will offer services and specialist treatment in prevention and counselling. He noted that the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention will support DPATS Inc. in whatever way possible.
“I assure each and every member of this group, the newly certified Specialists, that the Council [National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention] will spare no effort in giving you full and unequivocal support in the execution of all of your duties and tasks,” he said. “And we will make available whatever resources you need to make your job more efficient and result-oriented,” Mr. Morton added.
Some of the skills that the Specialists can now offer include screening, intake, orientation, assessment, drug prevention programme design and development, drug prevention programme management, drug prevention programme monitoring and evaluation, drug prevention facilitation, treatment planning, counselling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, report and record keeping and consultations.
If you or a loved one is experiencing substance abuse, you should contact the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention at 1-869-466-7929.