From 21 to 23 January 2026, ISSUP The Bahamas hosted an in-person Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Workshop – Introduction to Prevention Science, Practitioner Series, in collaboration with the OAS/CICAD. The workshop brought together 17 participants from The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados, fostering regional collaboration and shared learning.

The three-day workshop focused on reviewing and strengthening prevention implementation plans developed by participants during the virtual phase of the training. Through practical exercises and guided discussions, participants refined...

Training on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) – CORE, delivered by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) in collaboration with ISSUP Bahamas. The training brought together prevention professionals from across the Caribbean, reinforcing regional cooperation and shared learning.

The UPC CORE training focused on strengthening foundational competencies in evidence-based substance use prevention, equipping participants with practical tools to design, implement, and evaluate effective prevention initiatives within their local contexts. The curriculum emphasises prevention...

ISSUP was honoured to participate in the 78th Regular Session of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), where Joanna Travis Roberts, Chief Executive of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), delivered remarks to representatives of Member States, civil society organisations, experts, and partners from across the Americas.

Speaking to the importance of collective and evidence-informed responses to substance use, Joanna highlighted that challenges related to drugs intersect with public health, social development, community safety, and human rights...

We’re excited to share that ISSUP has successfully launched the pilot of the Investing in Evidence-Based Prevention (IEP) Workshop, attended by 18 participants from 17 countries. The workshop was delivered in two online sessions, held on 14 and 21 August, bringing together policy-makers, decision-makers and funders. 

 

The IEP workshop was developed by Jeff Lee, and Rachele Donini, together with the Scientific Support Team (SST). The pilot was delivered by Rachele Donini as trainer. 

 

The first session, Introduction to Prevention Science, focused on the fundamentals of prevention...

This week, we say goodbye to our dear friend and mentor, Jeff Lee, the founding Executive Director of ISSUP. Jeff was a steadfast advocate for the professionalization of prevention, insisting that those working in this field should be appropriately specialized. He often reminded us that while generalists and treatment specialists are well-meaning and deeply embedded within their communities, they are not always best placed to develop and implement evidence-based prevention systems. Jeff emphasized that prevention must be treated as a distinct science—one that is grounded in rigorous research...

The National Chapters Team held a pivotal 2-day virtual meeting from 10th – 11th December 2024 to evaluate the current operational model for National Chapters and identify opportunities for improvement and growth. The meeting was dubbed a ‘Vision Meeting’ to reflect the core agenda: Crafting a forward-looking plan for the ISSUP National Chapters. 

Another year has swiftly passed, adding to the remarkable list of successes achieved by ISSUP National Chapters across the globe.

Don't miss our latest newsletter for details of recent meetings and activities in Latin America and Africa. This issue also includes information on how to gain advanced clinical skills with the UTC16 Self Led Course.

Read it here: Issue 182

 

Explore the July ISSUP Newsletter!