Shillong, June 26: The Drug Reduction, Elimination, and Action Mission (DREAM) has now turned into a movement bringing different sections of society together in the fight against drug abuse, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said during his address at the International Day Against Drug abuse & Illicit Trafficking on Friday.
Sangma said that efforts against drug abuse are being made at every level but there was no coordination and DREAM Mission was bringing all these stakeholders, individuals and organisations together.
“While we bring all together it is also important not to just talk but to act and come up with concrete steps and slowly and steadily government is supporting different individuals and organisations working towards the same mission any goal,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, saying, “This day unites governments, communities, educators, faith based organisations in a shared mission to eradicate drug misuse, end illicit drug trafficking and replace the stigma of addiction with compassion and empathy.”
He also said that it is very important to involve not only the stakeholders but the common people also in this movement against drug abuse.
“Until that does not happen it will have the kind of impact that we desire so we have to connect to the common people,” he added.
He also added that addiction is not only to drugs or substances and stated, “All of us are addicted to something or the other be it mobile phones, screen time, shopping etc., and there is room for improvement for everyone and everybody needs help at certain point of time.”
Tourism minister Timothy D Shira was also present among others on the occasion.
On the occasion, the Centre of Evolution at Reid Provincial Chest Hospital was also unveiled by the Chief Minister.
This centre will help individuals with addiction through medical, therapy, counselling and ongoing support.
Cheques were also presented to Achik Welfare Society, Tura; The Bridge Society, Nongstoin; Khasi Presbyterian Assembly (Selda), Jowai; and Dream Solace – Centre For Hope & Recovery, Shillong for their activities in drug abuse awareness, support and care for drug abusers and rehabilitation and integrating back into the society.
Certificates were given to Recovery Champions, Community Champions and Outreach & Impact Awards were given during the occasion.
The prize winners for the Best Drawing and Drawing with Most Likes were also awarded and the Recovery Track Portal was also launched.
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between Social Welfare department, DREAM & SEWA Inland, Tura.
