A recent training, held from 7-9 April 2025, was held at the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Training Room, and was hosted in collaboration with the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) and the Bahamas Chapter of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP). The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) 101 Training was a three-day foundational capacity-building workshop designed to enhance the understanding, recognition, and management of substance use disorders across healthcare settings.
Atotal of 38 participants representing various healthcare disciplines deployed at SRC successfully completed the training. This training initiative was part of a broader strategy to strengthen the healthcare system's response to the growing challenges posed by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders in The Bahamas. Substance use disorders continue to present significant public health concerns globally and nationally, with rising trends in alcohol, cannabis and synthetic drug use. Healthcare professionals, particularly those in frontline roles, must be equipped with both the clinical knowledge and interpersonal skills to provide compassionate, effective, and evidence-based care to individuals affected by addiction.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The successful execution of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) 101 Training would not have been possible without the generous contributions, collaboration, and support of many individuals and organizations. We take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to all those who played a part in the planning, delivery, and facilitation of this critical training initiative.
We express special thanks and heartfelt appreciation to:
- The Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) EMC, Dr Kirk Christie, Dr Sean Knowles (BDOC), and Addiction Professionals, for their unwavering support, leadership, and commitment to advancing education and professional development in addiction and mental health services. Hosting of this training and continued dedication to capacity-building efforts in behavioural health care is deeply valued.
- The International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Bahamas Chapter, whose technical guidance, professional expertise, and resource-sharing were instrumental in shaping the content and delivery of this training. Your commitment to building a skilled and informed addiction workforce in The Bahamas is commendable.
- The Gambling Addiction Awareness Program, for their generous financial contribution, which helped make this training possible. Their support reflects a meaningful investment in prevention, early intervention, and awareness-raising efforts within the community.
- All presenters, facilitators, and guest speakers, who brought the content to life through engaging presentations, evidence-based insights, and real-world perspectives. Their willingness to share your knowledge and experiences made the sessions enriching and impactful for all involved.
- The dedicated Coordinator and committee members, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of every aspect of the training.
- Most importantly, the 38 participants, whose energy, enthusiasm, and active engagement significantly contributed to the learning environment. Their thoughtful participation, open discussions, and eagerness to grow reflect a strong commitment to improving the quality of care for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
We look forward to continued collaboration as we work collectively toward a more informed, responsive, and compassionate approach to substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support in The Bahamas.
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