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Achieve CNMI Inc. members undergo substance abuse prevention training
From left, James Jucutan, Alayne MacArthur, Naomi Nishimura, Rebecca Flores, and Tracy Del Rosario. (Contributed Photo)
Achieve CNMI, Inc., a non-profit organization established in 2013 focusing on community advocacy in the CNMI, sent four of its members to the Botvin LifeSkills Training of Trainers Workshop in Golden, Colorado last August.
Funding was provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s Community Guidance Center.
Botvin LifeSkills Training, or LST, is an evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program that is uniquely designed to be flexible and interactive. The LST program has been extensively tested and proven effective at reducing tobacco, alcohol, opioid, and illicit drug use by as much as 80 percent. Long-term follow-up studies also show that the LST program produces prevention effects that are durable and long-lasting.
The two-day advanced training workshop taught Achieve members how to conduct LST workshops and train those in any organization to teach and implement the LST program.
With the enactment of Public Law 20-66 or the Taulamwaar Sensible CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018 by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres on Sept. 21, Achieve CNMI, Inc., with the LST program, comes at a perfect time by providing support and ensuring the LST program is implemented in the community.
Last year, LST was implemented in two public schools, William S. Reyes Elementary School and Hopwood Middle School. This year, Achieve will work with more schools to implement the program.
With the implementation of the LST program in the community, CNMI children will be aware and informed of the effects of illicit drug use on their mind and body and will make wise decisions.
Achieve CNMI, Inc. currently has four certified LST trainers and more than 10 instructors certified to teach the LST program.
For more information on how to implement LST at your school, email achievecnmi@gmail.com or message the group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/achieve.nmi/. (PR)
