The National Council on Drug Abuse was established in October 1983, by the then Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga, and assigned to the portfolio of the then Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy with Dr. Ronald Irvine as Chairman of the Council. In 1984, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy was disbanded, and the responsibility for the National Council on Drug Abuse was transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister. In 1994, the Ministry of Health assumed responsibility for the Council.
Role of the NCDA
When the NCDA was established in 1983, it was charged with the responsibility of educating the general public about the dangers of drug use, and of preventing the indiscriminate use of drugs. Since then however, the Council has had to review its role, and this has led to an expansion of its terms of reference to include an examination of the legal, medical and security issues surrounding drug abuse, as well as research.
The NCDA has formulated projects to address all the various key elements and established a comprehensive national policy on drug abuse prevention policy for demand and supply reduction.
Role of the NCDA
When the NCDA was established in 1983, it was charged with the responsibility of educating the general public about the dangers of drug use, and of preventing the indiscriminate use of drugs. Since then however, the Council has had to review its role, and this has led to an expansion of its terms of reference to include an examination of the legal, medical and security issues surrounding drug abuse, as well as research.
The NCDA has formulated projects to address all the various key elements and established a comprehensive national policy on drug abuse prevention policy for demand and supply reduction.
Structure of the NCDA
The Operational Matrix for the Council is made up of the Human Resources Committee of Cabinet, the members of the National Council on Drug Abuse, the members of the Board, the Working Committees of the Board, the Drug Abuse Secretariat ( with its international linkages) , Community Drug Awareness Committees, Parish Drug Awareness Committees and Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers.
VISION
We strive relentlessly for a "DRUG FREE JAMAICA" in which the abuse of licit substances is eliminated and there is a reduction in the demand, supply, use and abuse of illicit substances.
MISSION
We exist to provide quality, reliable information, to policy makers, international partners and the general public, about substance use and abuse in Jamaica:- its nature, the extent, prevention, treatment, control and underlying problems that negatively impact on nation building. We are dedicated to strengthening protective factors against substance abuse, in collaboration with diverse local and international organizations, through the implementation of treatment and prevention programmes.
We aim to provide a supportive environment for employees and stakeholders that build commitment and competencies.
CORE VALUES & PRINCIPLES
Corporate Value: INFORMATION
Principle: Communication of information with consistency to our various publics. Our research is to meet standards of accuracy, validity and reliability
Corporate Value: INNOVATION
Principle: Demonstrating consistent creativity in programme development and implementation with efficiency and effectiveness. Redesigning workflow based on need and culture despite resource limitations
Corporate Value: INTEGRITY
Principle: Establishment of relationships with staff, community groups and our partners based on trust. Building a name for the Organization that inspires people to want to be advocates of our mission
Corporate Attitudes: Optimism
Taking a hopeful view of our responsibilities in impacting behaviour change in our country
Corporate Attitudes: Commitment – the obligation that we feel we have to positively impact the lives of our people
Corporate Attitudes: Empathy
Our identification with persons who are at different stages of decision-making with regard to substance use and abuse
Corporate Attitudes: Service
Performing activities in order to meet the public’s needs for help and information
CHARITABLE STATUS
On October 20, 2000, the Financial Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Planning advised that the Minister of Finance had designated the Drug Abuse Secretariat as an Approved Charitable Organization for the purposes of Section 13(1) (q) of the Income Tax Act. (Ref No: 310/137)
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CORE VALUES & PRINCIPLES
Corporate Value: INFORMATION
Principle: Communication of information with consistency to our various publics. Our research is to meet standards of accuracy, validity and reliability
Corporate Value: INNOVATION
Principle: Demonstrating consistent creativity in programme development and implementation with efficiency and effectiveness. Redesigning workflow based on need and culture despite resource limitations
Corporate Value: INTEGRITY
Principle: Establishment of relationships with staff, community groups and our partners based on trust. Building a name for the Organization that inspires people to want to be advocates of our mission
Corporate Attitudes: Optimism
Taking a hopeful view of our responsibilities in impacting behaviour change in our country
Corporate Attitudes: Commitment – the obligation that we feel we have to positively impact the lives of our people
Corporate Attitudes: Empathy
Our identification with persons who are at different stages of decision-making with regard to substance use and abuse
Corporate Attitudes: Service
Performing activities in order to meet the public’s needs for help and information
CHARITABLE STATUS
On October 20, 2000, the Financial Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Planning advised that the Minister of Finance had designated the Drug Abuse Secretariat as an Approved Charitable Organization for the purposes of Section 13(1) (q) of the Income Tax Act. (Ref No: 310/137)