GOPEACE Conferences

Gathering of Pacific Islanders for PEACE (GOPEACE)

1st GOPEACE Conference July 30-31, 2013


On July 30-31, 2013, the Prevention and Training Branch of the Guam Behavioral Health & Wellness Center, formerly Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, hosted a 2-day Gathering of Pacific Islanders for Prevention Education and Community Empowerment (GOPEACE) meeting at the Westin Hotel, Tumon.  The community was invited to attend the GOPEACE meeting to tell their story, share their ideas, and help to develop a plan to stop suicide and prevent substance abuse on our island.


As a result from this conference, the Prevention and Training Branch of the Guam Behavioral Health & Wellness Center was able to put together the Guam State Prevention Enhancement Comprehensive Strategic Plan also known as the 5-year PEACE plan. This plan aims to:
 

  1. Prevent or reduce consequences of underage drinking and adult problem drinking

  2. Prevent suicides and attempted suicides among populations at risk, including military  families and LGBTQ youth

  3. Reduce prescription drug misuse and abuse

  4. Prevent substance abuse and mental illness (promote positive mental health

  5. Develop and enhance policy and funding to support needed services for behavioral health system improvements on Guam

  6. Enhance behavioral health workforce development initiatives


This plan now serves as the foundation for the Partnerships for Success sub-grantees in determining culturally appropriate and relevant program goals and objects in which to implement in their organizations.



 




2nd GOPEACE Conference August 13-14, 2013


On August 13-14, 2013, the Prevention and Training Branch of the Guam Behavioral Health & Wellness Center, formerly Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, hosted a 2-day Gathering of Pacific Islanders for Prevention Education and Community Empowerment (GOPEACE) meeting at the Westin Hotel, Tumon. The theme of this conference was Our Journey Continues Toward Community Healing and Empowerment.


During this second meeting of community members, participants learned more about the 5-Year Strategic Prevention Plan, created as a result of the initial conference, as well as give further input as to how the plan is to be implemented. In addition the conference served as an opportunity for qualified community-based organizations to learn how to apply as a sub-grantee of the Partnerships for Success grant and help in the process of implementing the 5-Year plan.  




    
    
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