Workers in mental health get training

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 2ND 2009 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis continues implementation of its Mental Health and Substance Abuse Strategic Plan with a two-day workshop starting on Thursday April 2nd.
 
Persons involved in the care of persons with mental health disorders will attend the training on Oral Swab Technology for Drug Use.
 
“There is need for early detection of persons using alcohol and other substances as this implies early diagnosis, early treatment and therefore better prognosis,” said Minister of Health, Hon. Rupert Herbert.
 
The workshop by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with OraSure Technologies Inc., of Pennsylvania and Diversified Healthcare  Solutions is aimed at acquainting persons with the use of Oral Fluids (Cheek Swab) Technology in combating/testing for alcohol and other substances of abuse/dependence.
 
It will help participants to identify and understand the importance of using the technology in the workplace, schools, prison, Police Force and Defence Force; identify the advantages of using the technology over urine or blood testing and provide information and materials including other diagnostic tools and treatment algorithms to assist with early recognition and management of common disorders associated with substance abuse/dependence.