ABU DHABI The National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) announced on June 17th its plan on celebrating the World Drug Day throughout the last week of June. Along with Abu Dhabi Police, NRC aims to raise awareness of drug abuse, as well as the treatment and rehabilitation services provided by the center.
H.E Dr. Hamad Al Ghaferi, Director General, praised the efforts the nation has placed on combatting drug use under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and with the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Al Ghaferi said: “We find that World Drug Day is a chance for us to bring the community together to raise awareness on this major issue, and how drugs affect family relationships, socio-economic status and most importantly, one’s health. We recognize that drug abuse and rehabilitation is a societal stigma, so we decided if people find it difficult to come to us for help or to find out more about what we do, we’ll go to them. We are taking this opportunity to give the public our support, and that anyone who speaks to us does so in strict confidence.”
The NRC is inviting the public to visit its stands at Marina Mall and Dalma Mall to participate in activities organized between June 22 and June 26. These activities will include the showing of films and documentaries that present the history of drugs, drug abuse and the many negative side effects associated with drug use.
There will be a mini film made by Zayed University students about the drug abuse and its effect on brain. In addition, there will be a gallery showcase of the artwork created by NRC patients at the stands which illustrate their experiences and outlook. A free clinic operated by experts from the NRC will be available to passersby to answer any questions related to addiction or rehabilitation.
The awareness week will be supported by a heavy presence on twitter: the hashtag (#LifeFirst) has been created to encourage people to engage in NRC’s broader awareness efforts in addressing addiction.