From May 13 to May 17, 2024, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) of the Organization of American States (OAS), in collaboration with the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Bahamas National Chapter, conducted a Media-Based Drug Prevention Training at the Public Hospital Authority in Nassau, Bahamas. The program culminated in a graduation ceremony on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Graduation Ceremony Highlights
Ms. Phyllis Baron, Representative of the OAS National Office in the Bahamas, delivered the official remarks, emphasizing the significance of the training for our nation’s efforts in drug prevention. Troy E. Clarke I, Director of ISSUP Bahamas National Chapter, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired during the training. The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Division (INL) of the United States State Department generously funded this initiative, demonstrating international support for our drugprevention efforts.
Training Overview and Facilitators
Two esteemed facilitators from Claremont Graduate University led the training: Professor William Crano, a distinguished expert in Social Psychology, and Doctoral Student Michael Lebsack-Coleman. Their expertise gave the participants invaluable insights into media-based drug prevention's psychological and practical aspects.
Participant Engagement and Learning Outcomes
A total of thirty-three participants, selected from both government and non-government agencies, completed the training. These participants represented a broad spectrum of organizations, including:
- Royal Bahamas Defence Force
- Royal Bahamas Police Force
- Department of Rehabilitative/Welfare Services
- Simpson Penn Centre for Boys
- Williamae Pratt Centre for Girls
- Department of Education
- Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre
- Public Hospital Authority
- Bahamas Department of Correctional Services
- Bahamas National Drug Council
- Bahamas Antidrug Secretariat
- S.T.R.A.W. Inc
- Bahamas Faith Ministries
- The National LEAD Institute
Pre and post-tests were administered to ensure a comprehensive understanding and retention of the course material.
Course Content
The Media-Based Prevention Course was a robust and multifaceted program covering critical topics such as:
- Introduction to Media and Their Use in Prevention
- The Nature of Media and Theories on Media Influence
- Practical Application of Persuasion in Substance Use Prevention
- Enhancing the Impact of Media Campaigns
- Monitoring and Evaluating Media Messages
- Application to Practice
This curriculum was designed to equip participants with a thorough understanding of how media can be leveraged effectively in substance use prevention efforts.
Conclusion
High levels of participation and enthusiasm marked the training week. The participants were actively engaged, demonstrating a solid commitment to learning and applying new strategies in their respective fields. This training represents a significant step forward in our efforts to prevent drug abuse in the Bahamas.
The Media-Based Drug Prevention Training underscores our commitment to fostering a healthier, drug-free Bahamas through innovative and collaborative approaches. We thank all the participants, facilitators, and supporting organisations for making this training successful.
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