Training Local Substance Abuse Prevention Professionals and Implementing In-Depth Community-Based Initiatives

To strengthen substance abuse prevention efforts in indigenous communities and build the capacity of local residents to engage in substance abuse prevention, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has commissioned Tzu Chi University to implement the “Developing Substance Abuse Prevention Talents and Implementing Community-Based Plans” training program. This initiative is specifically tailored to the cultural and social characteristics of indigenous groups. The curriculum covers the latest knowledge on substance abuse prevention, risk factors, early identification, and refusal skills. It also facilitates the exchange of practical experiences and integrates health education activities within the local community, aiming to raise awareness of substance abuse prevention and improve health literacy among tribal populations. In 2024, a total of 11 training sessions were conducted, with 253 individuals completing the program. These trained participants leveraged local resources to engage with remote villages, promoting substance abuse prevention through accessible language and interactive approaches. A total of 30 community-based prevention and health education activities were o...