Students at schools and dormitories in Bartica are being counselled on the dangers of substance use as the Ministry of Health steps up efforts to prevent drug use among young people.
Project Director of the Ministry’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Dr. Travis Freeman, said his team is conducting awareness sessions this week at Three Mile, the new Bartica Secondary School and the new Corral Creek Secondary School. The outreach also includes student dormitories, including those at Bartica Secondary.
Freeman said the sessions address substances students may encounter, including alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products such as vapes. The team is also discussing newer psychoactive substances, including molly and ecstasy.
He said some young people experiment with substances without understanding the potential consequences. The programme aims to help students make informed decisions and reduce substance use among in-school youths.
The team includes social workers and drug counsellors. Dr. Freeman said students will be screened, and those identified as being at high risk of substance use may receive brief interventions.
The Unit also plans to work with the Region Seven Regional Democratic Council and Regional Executive Office to expand prevention efforts across the region.
