Launching of Narcotic Anonymous in Tuticorin

                                                                                 on the occasion of

                                           International Anti- Drug Abuse Day

 

   Theme :   "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs"

    A Narcotic Anonymous program was launched in Tuticorin on the occasion of International Anti- Drug Abuse Day on 30^th June 2009.  It is universally acknowledged   that Narcotic anonymous has a key role as   a community pressure group to motivate the addicts to reduce their risk behavior , increase their risk perception and guide them towards abstinence. EMPOWER had felt the need to initiate such NA in Tuticorin which truly seeks the community to   participate   for their health and well being.   EMPOWER is one of the partner NGO of APAC-VHS carrying out  targeted intervention of the injecting drug using community of  Tuticorin District for prevention of HIV/AIDS. Besides motivating them for STI treatment, VCTC services the project also educates on safe and hygienic injecting practices. However, the thrust of the program is prevention of HIV among the injectors. The project strongly addresses the low the risk perception of the injectors and shadow users and promotes their treatment seeking behavior.

                   The starter Kit which was donated by the NA –Chennai was released by Lion P.OP. Ramasamy, District Governor Elect, Lions Club International   and received by Mr.Sankar .A, ,Executive Director of EMPOWER  who said that there would weekly meetings at EMPOWER APAC Drop in Center , 76  Beach Road ,Tuticorin on Sundays from 5.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. 

               NA activist Mr. Murugan (ex injecting drug user) from Chennai explained the scope, objectives and the need for NA and shared how this had transformed his life and many other drug abusers. Besides, Dr.Kandha Kameswaran , Assistant Professor of Psychiatry , Tuticorin Medical College  Hospital the gathering  addressed the Health and Behavioral Impact of Drugs . Mrs. Meera Shankar , Program Director cautioned the spread of HIV through needle sharing and exhorted them to stop sharing and weaning away from drugs . The drug users, peer educators and AA and Al Anon members participated and shared their experience.  Earlier, from EMPOWER, Mr.Sankar welcomed the gathering and Ms. Tessy Mathew proposed the vote of thanks.

Yours in Global Concern

A.SANKAR

Executive Director

EMPOWER.

107J / 133E, Millerpuram

TUTICORIN-628 008

INDIA

Telefax: 91 461 2310151

Mobile:  91 94431 48599

www.empowerindia.org

     EMPOWER is a Non-profit, Non-Political, Voluntary and Professional Civil Society Organisation.

- Registered in the year 1991- Engaged in developmental work for the past 16 years in Southern Tamil