DAGUPAN CITY – At least 31 nurses and 62 health workers from different barangays in the city attended a seminar on drug abuse prevention and control at the city museum on August 24.
Sponsored by the Department of Health – Drug Treatment Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) Dagupan, the seminar aimed to inform the health workers on common drug substances as well as their abuse and ill effects.
This is to educate community health workers on how to properly conduct community-based treatment and care for drug dependents.
A workshop and planning session was also held during the one-day seminar as means of preparing health workers in helping those suffering from substance abuse.
Dr. Ronnie Salvador of DOH TRC Dagupan said that the community health workers were chosen for the seminar as they are front liners in providing health services in the city.
“We have this advocacy because we have many drug surrenderees (who need our help). That’s why we discussed the truth about drugs and its ill effects to our barangay nurses and health workers. We chose them because they are the (front-liners) in every barangay. Sila ang unang mag-aassist at sila ang magrereport sa tamang kinauukulan.” added Salvador.
Salvador also said that while the seminar is only for one day, they are open to conduct regular trainings for the city’s community workers.
Meanwhile, Liga ng mga Barangay President Bryan Kua, said that the training will be beneficial to every barangay especially in assisting drug dependents.
“Malaking tulong po (itong training program) sa bawat barangay sa Dagupan, lalo na po sa aming mga barangay volunteer workers at mga barangay nurse na lagi pong umiikot sa aming mga barangay.” said Kua. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)