Drug awareness fair in Portland

Young people in Portland are being urged to come out in their numbers for the National Council on Drug Abuse’s (NCDA) drug sensitization and healthy lifestyle fair, which will be held on Thursday (November 25) on the Buff Bay Hospital grounds in Portland.
The event, which will begin at 10:30 a.m., is part of activities to mark Drug Awareness Month in November under the theme: ‘Stop and think; Drugs not the link.’
NCDA Field Officer for Portland and St. Thomas, Garnet Allen, told JIS News that the fair, which is being staged jointly by the Portland Health Services, will focus on prevention through increased awareness, and will target young people between the ages of 12 and 24, who are most vulnerable.
A number of stakeholder groups such as the Child Development Agency (CDA), Victims Support Unit, Correctional Services Department, and the HEART Trust/NTA, are partnering with the CDA in putting on the event, and representatives will be on hand to offer their services and promote healthy lifestyle and wellness among the youth.
“It is a team effort for the betterment of the country’s youths,” Mr. Allen said. “We are trying to educate them so that they can go out and make informed choices and hopefully, the information will influence positive behaviour change over time,” he stated.
At the fair, counselling will be available to persons in need, while the Portland Health Services will be offering blood sugar and blood pressure checks, and HIV tests.
The highlight of the day will be a mini concert where students will showcase their knowledge on the dangers of drug abuse through poetry, song and drama presentations.
The NCDA’s programme for the month also includes visits to schools, churches and other community organisations.