FSM SAMH holds Synar Workshop in Chuuk State

On September 30—October 4th, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program (SAMHP) sponsored a one week Synar Workshop held at Blue Lagoon Resort in Chuuk State on enforcing the tobacco laws to prohibit the sell to children under 18 years of age.     

 More than 30 participants from the FSM National Government and State Governments representing the State Department of Public Safety, State Attorney General’s Offices and the National and States Substance Abuse and Mental Health programs attended the Workshop to discuss ways of enforcing the statutory requirements of the SAMHP more effectively.  As a recipient of the US Federal grant assistants, FSM is required to abide by this statutory requirement and conduct inspections each year.

Ms. Patricia Martin from Johnson, Basin and Shaw (JBS) conducted the training. Mr. Resty Shotaro, Deputy Director of the Chuuk State Department of Health Services, welcomed the participants and Secretary Dr. Vita Skilling gave the keynote address. 

In her address, Secretary Skilling challenged the participants to increase compliance efforts in line with the statutory requirement of the substance abuse and mental health program to prevent poor health and diseases caused by tobacco use.

The participants agreed to establish an enforcement protocol, strengthening the data collection and start the legal process for dealing with vendors found to be in violation of the tobacco laws.  

For question, write kwalliby@fsmhealth.fm or call the Department at 320-2619.