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What We Do
Substance abuse and HIV are two of the major problems among many in Nepal. Female drug users are no exception.
The alarming trend of female drug use has been going unnoticed by the government and local communities. This is why Dristi Nepal was established as the first non-profit organization of its kind. Female drug users are helped by recovering females in sobriety.
Dristi Nepal's mission is to create a stigma and discrimination free society for female drug users in Nepal and prevent them from contracting HIV/AIDS. Our vision is to provide care, treatment, and support for female drug users and help them reintegrate into society.
History
On May 27th 2006, Recovery Beyond Borders members Jake Epperly, Executive Director, and Lee FitzGerald, Volunteer, traveled to Nepal. Lee Fitzgerald ran a two day workshop for women.
Nepal has little existing support for substance abusing women. Social stigma, a lack of treatment resources and an extremely high unemployment rate contribute to the devastation that drug addicted and alcoholic women face. Through RBB contacts with TRG as well as other services in Nepal, Jake and Lee were able to find about fifteen or sixteen women that had experienced a substantial amount of time abstinent from their drug of choice.
One woman in recovery, Parina, had attended the RBB workshop later met with Lee to explain their need for a "drop in center" (DIC) for substance abusing women in Kathmandu. The purpose of the DIC would be to provide a safe place for women to share their experiences and receive information about recovery. The DIC would be named Dristi Nepal. Upon presentation and review of the plan presented by Parina, Lee agreed to provide financial support of this new program.
Objectives
- To provide an environment for care to female drug users and their children
- To provide skills-based programs
- To advocate for the rights of female ex-drug users
- To reintegrate female drug users into the community
- To raise awareness about drugs and HIV/AIDS in the communities
Services
- Drop-In Center (DIC) with a friendly environment
- Education and outreach services
- Awareness
- Individual and family counseling
- Recreational activities
- Primary health care for drug users and the community
Board of Directors
Lee FitzGerald - CEO
Gerald Slagter - President
Amy Van Landingham - Vice President
Eric Lee Wright - Secretary Back To Top
to create a stigma and discrimination free society for female drug users in Nepal and prevent them from contracting HIV/AIDS
