National Gambling, Substance Use and Mental Health Awareness Campaign

The ISSUP Bahamas National Chapter, in partnership with the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) Gambling and Substance Use Addiction Team and the LEAD Institute, proudly conducted a National Gambling, Substance Use and Mental Health Awareness Campaign across two major Family Islands - Long Island and Grand Bahama during October 2025.

This campaign was a key component of our ongoing national mandate to educate, empower, and support Bahamians affected by or at risk for addiction and mental health challenges. The initiative aligns with ISSUP Global’s mission to build professional networks and enhance evidence-based prevention and treatment capacity worldwide.

Over the course of these two outreach missions, the campaign successfully reached more than 400 individuals, including students, educators, healthcare workers, religious leaders, and members of the public.

Campaign Objectives

1. To increase public awareness of gambling addiction, substance misuse, and their connection to mental health.
2. To promote early screening, brief interventions, and referrals to appropriate support and treatment services.
3. To strengthen local capacity among healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders for prevention and early intervention.
4. To reduce stigma and foster open dialogue surrounding addiction and mental wellness.
5. To enhance collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and community-based organizations in advancing national behavioral health priorities.

Campaign Components and Activities

The campaign consisted of a diverse series of interactive and educational events, tailored to the needs of each island community:

• Town Hall meetings: Provided a platform for open dialogue among community leaders, policymakers and residents.
• School-based presentations: Delivered engaging, age-appropriate sessions for students on gambling risks, substance misuse, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
• Awareness and prevention of addictions and mental health challenges for top managers.
• Community educational sessions: Offered informative talks and discussions on prevention, treatment, and recovery pathways.
• Facility visits and consultations: The SRC professional team met with local healthcare providers and administrators to assess needs, share best practices, and offer guidance on screening and referral systems.
• Science of addiction training for health care professionals.
• Adduction awareness session for law enforcement officers.
• Distribution of educational resources: awareness materials were shared across schools, clinics, and community spaces.

Key Outcomes and Achievements

The campaign was an overwhelming success, reflected in strong participation, positive feedback and tangible impact:

• Over 300 individuals reached across both islands through structured sessions and informal engagements.
• Enhanced knowledge of the neurobiological and psychosocial aspects of addiction among participants.
• Improved local capacity for screening and early intervention among healthcare staff and educators.
• Reduced stigma and increased community dialogue surrounding addiction and mental health.
• Strengthened partnerships between the SRC, local clinics, schools, and faith-based organizations.
• Data and feedback collected to inform future prevention initiatives and national policy planning.

Impact and Community Feedback

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for the campaign’s clear, scientific explanations of addiction and its focus on hope, recovery, and resilience.

Educators and healthcare professionals welcomed the opportunity to build skills and requested follow-up workshops to further enhance prevention and intervention capacity.

The outreach demonstrated the immense value of taking mental health and addiction education directly to the Family Islands, where access to services and awareness initiatives are often limited.

Conclusion

The National Gambling, Substance Use, and Mental Health Awareness Campaign in Long Island and Grand Bahama was a resounding success. It not only achieved its objectives but also strengthened national momentum for prevention, education, and early intervention.

Through this collaborative effort, the ISSUP Bahamas National Chapter, the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre Gambling Addiction program and LEAD Institute have reinforced their shared commitment to advancing the ISSUP Global mission of building professional capacity and promoting healthy, resilient communities.

The success of this initiative underscores the importance of continued outreach, sustained partnerships, and capacity-building efforts across all Bahamian islands.

Acknowledgment

Special appreciation is extended to:

• Public Hospitals Authority, The Ministry of Health and Wellness, Department of Public Health, and Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre leadership.
• The LEAD Initiative for its community engagement, and logistical support.
• The Administrators, educators, healthcare workers, and community members of Long Island and Grand Bahama for their enthusiastic participation.
• The ISSUP Global team for their continued encouragement and support in strengthening national prevention networks.

Together, we continue to inspire hope, empower communities, and change lives through education, awareness, and collaboration.