Yakutian narcologists
to train in the USA

Within the framework of Healthy Lifestyle Project, the Northern Forum arranges annually seminars on alcoholism and drug addiction as well as internships. Events aims at young people problems mostly. Yakutia didn't remain aloof.

The official delegation of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) participated in an International Seminar on Youth Substance Abuse held in Whitehorse , Yukon , May 9-11, 2005. Delegates stated that the struggle against social scourge has been going on for several generations now not only in Russian North, but Alaska and Northern Canada as well, and is beginning to bear fruit. Programs have been tailored in recent years to better serve communities, villages have banned alcohol sales, new generations are educated with the knowledge of how destructive alcohol and drugs can be. And very effective local rehabilitation programs are now in place, taking into account not only the individual's problem, but also his family and community. They stem from grassroots initiatives, often led by the women in the community, and enable people to find a new meaning to life, to secure a job, to go back to their traditional ways, and abandon a cycle of abuse.

On May 1-12, 2006 the Northern Forum is arranging Youth Substance Abuse Treatment Training in Alaska and Idaho .

Based on specific programs which were discussed at the 2005 Youth Substance Abuse Conference, (co-sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs) a proposal to conduct substance abuse treatment training for Russian professionals was brought forward. The training will involve visiting treatment facilities in Alaska as well as in Idaho where they will learn firsthand about the alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs.

The proposed training will introduce healthcare professionals to substance abuse treatment approaches. Draft program includes visiting programs located in Alaska ( Anchorage and Fairbanks ) and Idaho (Bonners Ferry). Over the course of the 12 days, participants will learn about specifics of the programs including information about how they were formed, funding, clinical operations and associated education elements. Participants will meet with facility operators, therapists and others associated with the programs. The intent of this training is to provide the necessary tools to develop and improve existing substance abuse treatment programs in the regions of Russia , recognizing that the models shown are applicable to their locations and specific client needs.

This time Yakutia sent a group for training. It includes the head physician of republic narcological clinic M.Novikov, chief of Yakutian laboratory of Russian Academy of Medical Science N.Matveeva, psychotherapist of the 1 st Municipal Polyclinic E.Vinokurov. Experts in narcology from Saint-Petersburg, Vologda, Khanty-Mansiisk, and Chukotka will participate as well.

Info provided by
Vladimir Vasiliev,
Executive Director
the Northern Forum Secretariat in Yakutsk.
Phone: +7 (4112) 34-40-46.
E-mail: severssf@mail.ru

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