Health Connect

With a focus on nicotine, internet, drug (specifically cannabis and opioids), and alcohol addiction, HealthConnect aims to enhance awareness, skills, and resources among health professionals to combat substance use disorders effectively.

HealthConnect operates with a clear set of objectives:

1. Capacity Building: Equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and understanding to recognize addiction as a disease and a significant public health issue.

2. Education on Evidence-Based Interventions (EBIs): Providing insights into evidence-based strategies for preventing substance use within communities.

3. Skill Enhancement: Enhancing the skill sets of healthcare professionals to manage physical complications arising from substance use and connecting them with community resources offering evidence-based interventions.

4. Training and Development: Empowering healthcare professionals to deliver EBIs and train others in the effective implementation of intervention strategies.

Traditionally, addiction has been viewed solely as a social problem, overlooking its complex bio-psycho-familial nature. However, with advancements in neuroscience, there is a growing recognition of addiction as a chronic brain disease. Despite this, awareness of addiction as a disease remains low among healthcare professionals. HealthConnect addresses this gap by fostering a deeper understanding of addiction as a disease and providing the necessary tools for intervention.

HealthConnect follows Gordon's threefold classification of preventive efforts, encompassing universal, targeted, and indicated preventive strategies. It operates through three levels of intervention, catering to healthcare professionals at various stages of engagement:

1. Level 1 (L1): Targeting the majority of healthcare professionals who primarily focus on treating medical complications arising from addiction.

2. Level 2 (L2): Engaging with curious and sympathetic professionals eager to help individuals struggling with addiction but lacking adequate knowledge and skills.

3. Level 3 (L3): Providing advanced training and resources for academicians and health leaders equipped with evidence-based interventions and community coalition-building expertise.

HealthConnect is our effort in the fight against addiction, offering a comprehensive platform for healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding, skills, and resources in addressing substance use disorders. Through collaboration, education, and empowerment, HealthConnect strives to build a healthier, addiction-free society. Join us in making a difference today.