Empowering Recovery and Rehabilitation Workshop

Workshop for Leaders of Drug Care and Rehabilitation Centers, Lamka was organized on the 28 February 2025 at Lamka – City of Hope, Little Woods, Rengkai Road As part of its mission to strengthen community health and social resilience, Lamka City of Hope organized a one-day workshop titled “Empowering Recovery and Rehabilitation.” The program brought together leaders and representatives from Drug Care and Rehabilitation Centers across Lamka City to foster collaboration, share experiences, and address the growing drug crisis in the region. The workshop opened with a prayer by Rev. Thonglal Thangsing and special messages from Mr. Dr. Vumkhoneh Haokip, Director of Nushi Clinic, Alex Hrangbiaklian Hauzel (Director, Street Cry), Mr. Paothankam (Gilead Balm Rehabilitation Center), Pastor Mangpu Mangte (Zion Care Rehabilitation Center) and other leaders in the field. Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing delivered a powerful keynote address on Drugs, Drug Use, and the Efforts for Care and Rehabilitation in Lamka. He highlighted the growing challenge of substance abuse among youth and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and the broader community. Drawing from his long-standing experience in humanitarian and public health work, Dr. Thangsing underscored the urgent need for a compassionate and coordinated approach to address this crisis. He outlined the initiatives being undertaken by Lamka: City of Hope to provide awareness programs, counselling services, and community-based rehabilitation for those affected by drug dependence. He also called for stronger collaboration among drug rehabilitation institutions and civil society organizations, churches, and law enforcement to build a safer, drug-free environment for young people. Sessions focused on understanding the local addiction landscape, current rehabilitation practices, and the operational and clinical challenges faced by rehabilitation centers. A panel discussion emphasized the importance of coordination, compassion, and community-based recovery efforts. The event provided a valuable platform for networking among rehabilitation professionals, NGOs, and community stakeholders. It concluded with a renewed collective pledge to build a compassionate, drug-free, and resilient Lamka.

Key Outcomes and Recommendations

1. Strengthened coordination among rehabilitation centers, NGOs, and faith-based groups.
2. Shared understanding of addiction trends, service gaps, and priority needs in Lamka.
3. Agreement to adopt standardized admission forms, medical screening triage, and ensure regular medical care and follow-up support for clients.
4. Recognition of the urgent need for professional counseling services, clinical psychologists, and protocols for managing communicable diseases.
5. Recommendation to develop comprehensive operational guidelines for rehabilitation centers.
6. Decision to hold monthly coordination meetings of center leaders, annual review conferences, and joint community outreach programs.

Plan to implement quarterly drug awareness campaigns and strengthen prevention initiatives through multi-sector collaboration.