Pubdate: Wed, 09 Nov 2005
Source: Freeman, The (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 The Freeman
Contact:  http://www.thefreeman.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3437
Author: Jasmin R. Uy
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

VSMMC TO LAUNCH FREE DRUG TEST DRIVE

The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center will offer at least 500 free
drug tests in line with the celebration of November as Drug Prevention
Month.

"Beginning November 7 in time for the Drug Prevention Month
celebration, we will conduct free drug tests, and to all who are
interested, just visit our hospital. This is one of our efforts as we
celebrate Drug Prevention Month," said Primo Joel Alvez, VSMMC
officer-in-charge.

Earlier, Department of Health's Substance Abuse Prevention Program
coordinator Joy Abellana said there has been a change in profiles of
drug users in the region as most of them are now from ages 29 and
above from the usual 22-24 age bracket.

"Most of those who will approach me are in the working age group and
the employed. In fact, little addicts are found in school, many in the
drug centers right now are already having white hairs," Abellana said.

She said that the change in profile only shows that government's
programs are effective, adding that a person with mental illness would
easily use drug because mental illness and drug addiction coexist.

"We conduct lectures and promotions in schools that's why only a
little addicts are found there. Giving lectures to students is very
effective," she said.

Although Abellana was not able to give figures in the regional level,
she said that of the 3.4 million Filipinos who are into drugs, 1.4
million are regular users. The country has a population of at least 85
million. 
- ---