Inter-University Working Group on Drugs: Strengthening approaches and enriching educational communities

Within the framework of the Psychology Week 2023, the Psychology Coordinating Offices of Panama and La Chorrera, together with the Extension and Accreditation departments, carried out the Inter-University Working Group to address drug issues. The main objective of this initiative was to strengthen approaches and enrich our educational communities with diverse and enriching experiences.

The opening of this important meeting was in charge of Dr. María Piedad Nieto Rojas, Administrative Vice Rector of UMECIT and Ms. Tiffany Santana, Executive Secretary in charge of CONAPRED. Their outstanding participation marked the beginning of a day full of learning and collaboration.

The Inter-University Working Group had the active participation of teachers and students from various educational institutions, including our House of Studies as host university, Universidad Latina, USMA, UDELAS, UDI and Columbus University. This inter-university meeting allowed the exchange of knowledge and the generation of ideas to more effectively address drug-related issues.

Within the program of activities, the Forum "Research on drug use in school-aged adolescents" was held, where Dr. Jorge Villatoro, Director of Surveys and Data Analysis of the National Institute of Psychiatry of Mexico and prominent researcher, was the main exponent. Their experience and knowledge contributed to enriching the debate and raising awareness about this problem.

Lic. Linette Govea, Psychology Coordinator of Panama, also had a relevant participation in the Working Group. He presented a presentation entitled "The role of the Psychologist in the face of the problem of drug consumption", where he highlighted the importance of the role of the psychologist in the prevention and treatment of addictions.

In addition to the lectures and presentations, a very participative Dynamic Workshop was held, which allowed attendees to interact and share experiences. This practical and collaborative learning space fosters the development of skills and effective strategies to address the drug problem from a psychological perspective.

The Inter-University Working Group is part of a comprehensive plan to strengthen capacities in addressing drug issues for the educational community. In particular, it seeks to strengthen the competencies and strategies of psychology students from universities nationwide. This first meeting between psychology schools is an important step towards the formation of a national network for drug prevention in Panama.

The closing of this Inter-University Working Table was in charge of the rector of our University, Dr. José Alberto Nieto Rojas, who highlighted this enriching and collaborative space where the way in which the approaches, research and dynamics around the drug problem are strengthened and where valuable experiences were shared with the participation of outstanding professionals and the active collaboration of various institutions.