Pubdate: Sat, 29 Oct 2005
Source: Mindanao Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Mindanao Times.
Contact:  http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2980
Author: Rizalene P. Acac
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

HEALED DRUG DEPENDENTS TO HAVE A COOPERATIVE SOON

THE After Care Program of the City Health Office will create a
cooperative for recovering drug dependents so they will get employed
after their stint in the rehabilitation center.

Rustum Fanugao, Jr., After Care Program officer, his office has
already forwarded the plan to the Cooperative Development Authority
(CDA) for approval.

FAnugao admitted that former drug dependents still suffer from the
stigma even after their rehabilitation, making it difficult for them
to find a job and lead a normal life.

The After Care Program is tasked to continue the rehabilitation of
drug dependents after their stint in rehabilitation center.

The continuation of the rehabilitation will require dependents to
report once a month to the center where their psychiatric,
psycho-social and spiritual well-being is monitored.

The program also conducts random visitation to the homes of the
dependents where they do spontaneous drug testing on them.

At present, there are 140 clients being healed and monitored by the
After Care Program.

Fanugao said three of their patients were shot dead while undergoing
the follow-up treatment months ago. The two others have remained
missing as of presstime.

He said 88 percent of their patients are from poor families.

The program not only caters to rehabilitated drug dependents from
Davao City but also to the patients in the neighboring provinces of
Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cotabato and Island Garden City of
Samal. 
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