JSU Newswire
Jacksonville, Alabama
 

JSU's ApSADS Program A Huge Success


Jamie M. Eubanks
JSU News Bureau

JACKSONVILLE -- July 24, 2001 -- The week of July 10-13 was special for Jacksonville State University. It was the inaugural meeting of the Appalachian School for Alcohol and Other Drug Studies (ApSADS).

ApSADS was designed to better inform those who care for substance abusers. Eleven programs were presented throughout the week by state agencies from Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

The quality of instruction at JSU's ApSADS is evident through comparison to other programs like it. The University of Kentucky has been holding a similar program for over 38 years. And five of the staff who taught at JSU will be teaching in Kentucky soon.

"It was a tremendous success," says Rickey Naugher, director of Counseling and Career Services at JSU. "While we plan to make some changes, the feedback we received from participants was encouraging."

There were 166 counselors and concerned citizens who participated throughout the week and almost all returned evaluation forms to let coordinators know how they felt. Some comments include:

  • "I have been a counselor for 13 years and have been to a lot of workshops. [JSU's ApSADS] is one of the best."

  • "I am a former student of JSU and am impressed and proud of the University for supplying this workshop. The staff was well organized. It was a wonderful experience."

  • "As a counselor in one of the local schools, I was very pleased to see adolescent drug use and treatment addressed."

  • "The program was outstanding, and I look forward to next year."


These were just a few of the raving comments about JSU's first ApSADS. And, yes, Naugher and his team are already looking ahead for next year to be even better. And though it was a bit hit, the atmosphere will be kept quite small to allow participants the ability to get to know each other and make lasting contacts.


 

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