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Institution

Type of organisation

Governamental/Public-national

Year of foundation

1983

Institutional presentation

Vision - We strive relentlessly for a "DRUG FREE JAMAICA" in which the abuse of licit substances is eliminated and there is a reduction in the demand, supply, use and abuse of illicit substances. MISSION We exist to provide quality, reliable information, to policy makers, international partners and the general public, about substance use and abuse in Jamaica: its nature, the extent, prevention, treatment, control and underlying problems that negatively impact on nation building. We are dedicated to strengthening protective factors against substance abuse, in collaboration with diverse local and international organizations, through the implementation of treatment and prevention programmes. We aim to provide a supportive environment for employees and stakeholders that build commitment and competency.

Direct beneficiaries

• Not drug users
• Experimental drug users
• Drug users
• Problematic drug users
• Fromer drug users
• Motivational groups (drug users and not drug users)
• Women presenting problematic drug use
• Women with children
• Homeless
• Dually diagnosed (comorbid)
• HIV/AIDS
• Racial and ethnic minorities
• Specific drug users – Sex workers, Pregnant teens, Institutionalized persons (prisoners), School-age at risk youth, Out of school youths...

Target population activities

• Others (communities ) ()

Objective of the centre/ services

The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) exists together data on the drug situation in Jamaica, that will inform policy makers, stakeholders and the general population whilst guiding evidence based prevention and treatment interventions aimed at reducing the misuse of drugs and delaying the age of initiation

National coverage

NCDA is the national response to inform, prevent and offer substance abuse counselling to the general population. There has been an intentional thrust to train peer educators influence rs, teachers and communities leaders to impact their sphere of influence in drug prevention aimed at empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions thus delaying drug use and reducing misuse. Additional project counselors have been contracted to engage the vulnerable population (to include homeless drug user, men who have sex with men, transgender female and commercial sex workers as part of the National HIV response in drug counselling

Intervention framework

Intervention types

• Prevention
• Treatment
• Risk reduction
• Harm reduction

Intervention framework for Prevention

• Public events
• Family
• Work place
• School/primary education
• School/secondary education
• Community

Intervention framework for Treatment

• Outpatient/diurnal/outpatients clinic
• Other (in school counselling )
• Support groups

Intervention framework for Risk reduction

• Interventions on prevention and health education
• Interventions on massive public events
• Substance testing
• Condom distribution or information on HIV or STDs
• Community based programs (network, social inclusion…)
• Street approach programs
• Public health intervention (provision of HIV screening or basic health intervention eg for diabetics)

Intervention framework for Harm reduction

• Psychotherapy for harm reduction
• Community-based programs (networking and territory work, social inclusion)
• Street approach programs (brigades, peer work, extramural health education)
• Basic assistance services (showers, food, laundry, etc.)

Activities

• Promotion
• Health education
• Training
• Information
• Family & socio-educational intervention
• Personal & socio-educational intervention
• Guidance
• Distribution of material
• Awareness
• Field work / Practicum placement
• Others (drug counselling )
• Early Intervention/detoxification
• Street based intervention
• Telephone hotline
• After-care, social reintegration, halfway houses

Description of the main activities