Gov’t Strengthens Response to Substance Use Among Youth

Jamaica is putting robust measures in place to address the use of harmful substances among young people.

State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, said that the objective is to protect the most vulnerable and reduce the negative impact of substance use.

She pointed out that the introduction and popularity of new substances and ease of access among youngsters “are cause for major concern”, and it is imperative that robust strategies be implemented to address the problem.

In detailing the measures during a National Forum on Youth Drug Use on Wednesday (November 30), the State Minister said that a clause-by-clause analysis of the Tobacco Control Bill, 2020 is ongoing, and decisions concerning a National Harmful Alcohol Policy are in motion.

Additionally, she informed that plans are in the works for a National Drug Prevalence Survey.

“This is part of efforts to assess the use of new and emergent psychoactive substances, including molly, across the population. We are also looking towards the updating of the National School Policy on Substance Use,” the State Minister said at the forum held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel.

She noted that the efforts involve the Ministry of Education and Youth.

The State Minister said that the scale-up of the drug prevention and treatment programme of the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) will form a critical part of the response.

“Substance abuse is also to be woven into Jamaica’s Mental Health Strategic Plan. Protecting the health and well-being of all Jamaicans remains the principal mandate of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and it will continue to support the work of the NCDA as it plays its role in fulfilling this mission,” she said.

The forum consisted of representatives from several State agencies and civil society partners, who engaged in discussions surrounding substance use among the youth, explored areas for further partnership and capacity-building, and shared best practice interventions for the target group.

November was observed as Drug Abuse Month, and the NCDA convened a series of town hall meetings and a school tour to engage with the young people, parents, caregivers and other stakeholders to intensify a national conversation around safeguarding Jamaicans from harmful use of substances.

“I applaud the outstanding team at the NCDA for their efforts in highlighting the troubles related with substance use, accompanying interventions and work towards policy shift. The public health system remains grateful for the agency’s work,” Mrs. Cuthbert-Flynn said.