Not-for-profit organisation Salvation Army has endorsed its theme for this year "collective action to reduce substance abuse harm" while acknowledging the work of various partners.

The Salvation Army Addiction Services Team Leader, Sailivao Aukusitino Senio, told the Samoa Observer that while they have endorsed their new theme it is also important to acknowledge that as a nation they are working through collective action to make a difference.

"While we have a long way to go, we need to acknowledge that as a nation we are working together through collective action to make a difference and reduce the harms associated with substance abuse," Sailivao said. 

"So often we focus only on the negative and fail to recognise the positive action and change that is occurring."

As an example of collective action, Sailivao said New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (M.F.A.T.) ensures that a range of treatment interventions are provided at no cost to those who need help. 

He also said that programs are offered in both the community and prison settings, while also pointing out the role of the law and justice sector through the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (M.J.C.A.) in Samoa.

"The M.J.C.A. continue to recommend a therapeutic approach when able to support behavior, change for those who have committed a crime while under the influence," he said.

The various interventions of Samoa's Liquor Board to regulate and minimise access to high-alcohol content beverages were also highlighted with Sailivao commending the Board. 

"A review of our data identified that prior to licenses being revoked 40 percent had committed an offence while under the influence of locally manufactured spirit (vodka) alcohol," he said. 

The work of the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services to enforce and promote public safety was also mentioned by the Salvation Army Team Leader. 

"The anti-drink driving campaign is an excellent example of Government, non-governmental organisations, and community working together when in partnership, The Salvation Army, Police, Uhrle Auto Repair &Towing, and Go Advertising joined forces to promote the message ‘don’t drink and drive'."

The work of the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development was also acknowledged with Sailivao pointing to the findings of the National Public Inquiry into Family Violence in Samoa (2017) that identified alcohol as a trigger for family violence. 

"One such action is by the village of Tanungamanono through The Salvation Army, developed community champions to generate their own solutions to address substance abuse and family violence," he said. 

"It is progressing through the Diploma of Counselling offered by A.P.T.C. and The Salvation Army acknowledges that a member of our staff has become the first local person to obtain post-graduate certificate in alcohol and drug studies through the University of Auckland.

"In partnership with Saint Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army has already delivered a series of workshops to college students as a prevention/early intervention activity to raise awareness amongst our youth."

An Ah Liki Construction invite for The Salvation Army to be included within their health and safety program to address substance abuse was also encouraging with Sailivao urging other employers to go down the same path.

The role of the media in enabling advocacy on key societal challenges such as substance abuse was also not lost on the Team Leader, who then made mention of the Eye-Spy radio as well as the Samoa Observer. 

" We are always grateful to the Samoan Observer for the opportunities given to share the work we are all doing to reduce the harms associated with substance abuse," he added.

 "As evident from the examples given, we are and will continue to work collectively to improve the health and well-being of our nation and reduce the harms associated with substance abuse.

"If you are worried about your use or someone else’s use of alcohol and drugs or if you see the need for a prevention or early intervention activity within your community, please give us a call or come in and see us on Phone 8400666 on Salenesa Road, Moto’otua."