International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking June 26

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking will be observed on June 26th throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands with a number of activities on selected days under the theme “Don’t Get High – Get Healthy”.

Research shows that dependence on drugs has direct and indirect health and social consequences including:

Lost of human and financial resources due to abuse in the workplace.

Road and domestic accidents related to drug abuse.

Health care costs related to diseases that develop in relation to drug dependence

(HIV, Hepatitis and other diseases including mental disorders),

Social problems including drug-related crimes and deaths due to overdose.

Figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) show that nearly 200 million people worldwide are using illicit drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, opiates and sedative hypnotics. To reverse the trend, the UN General

Assembly has since 1987, declared June 26 to be International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The goal is to express its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

In observance of this day the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence will be hosting a number of activities. Persons within the TCI community are invited to attend and show their support.

The events are as follows:

Providenciales-Candle Light Ceremony- June 14th 6:30pm @ Sam’s Business Complex,

Downtown Movie Night -June 16th 5:30pm @ LaRay Cinema

Community College Inter-Campus Debate-June 17th 10:00 am @ Felix Morley Community Center, Five keys

Grand Turk-Softball Tournament (Church Youth Groups) June 14th –June 18th @ 6:00pm on the Parade Grounds

South Caicos-Basketball Game – (Marjorie Basden High vs. Community Ballers) June 18th @ 6:00pm on the Basketball Court

In addition to these events, you are welcome to tune in to the following television and radio shows to hear more on this year’s theme.

Expressions- June 15th on RTC

TCI Today- June 15th on WIV

Health Matters- June 20th on RTC

Radio Address From Mrs. Judith Campbell P/S Health & H.E. Governor – June 24 on RTC

Daily Radio Spots RTC – Pastors Fraternal – June 20 – 24