Provincial Coordination Council on Combating Addiction was held at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU). The meeting was organized to evaluate addiction prevention and control efforts within the framework of interinstitutional collaboration.

During the meeting held in the Senate Hall of the OMU Rectorate Building, ongoing activities across Samsun and plans for the upcoming period were reviewed.

The meeting was attended by Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı, Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor Fatih Ayaz, OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Vice Rector of Samsun University Prof. Dr. Ali Bilgin, as well as members of the provincial protocol and representatives of public institutions and organizations.

In his opening remarks, Governor Orhan Tavlı emphasized that addiction prevention and control initiatives are carried out in coordination and cooperation among all public bodies, including local administrations. He noted that protecting young people, elderly citizens, and risk groups from addiction requires joint action with every segment of society—from civil society organizations to neighborhood muhtars.

“Prevention Is What Matters Most”

Governor Orhan Tavlı continued his speech as follows:

“Prevention is what matters most. Judicial proceedings and treatment after dependency develops are both costly and challenging. We evaluate that every activity in arts and sports contributes positively to combating addiction. Protecting families and future generations depends on keeping young people away from harmful habits and engaging target groups in constructive work. The fact that many institutions; from National Education to the Health Directorate, from Family and Social Services to the Müftülük; together with universities and metropolitan and district municipalities, conduct community-oriented projects shows how broad the addiction prevention and control field actually is. The activities of the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports and sports clubs also provide significant gains in preventing dependency.”

“Addiction Instead of Independence? No; Independence Instead of Addiction”

Drawing attention to the enrichment of social life through beneficial activities, Tavlı said:

“When risky environments are eliminated, we think we will reach a much better point in combating addiction. We thank all partners for the work carried out in 2025 and expect more effective coordination in 2026, especially through Yeşilay and our other institutions. We say independence instead of addiction.”

Presentations and evaluations

Within the agenda, a presentation was delivered by Denetimli Serbestlik Directorate on the “Independence Village Project.” The presentation informed participants about rehabilitation, social adaptation, and reintegration processes that support addiction prevention and control.

Afterwards, Addiction Prevention and Control Research Center presented a report on activities planned during the 2025 Family Year. The presentation underlined the central role of family-focused preventive actions in managing dependency risks and highlighted the importance of coordinated substance use prevention.

In the final part, opinions and suggestions were discussed, and representatives shared their institutional evaluations regarding field practices. Ideas were exchanged on strengthening coordination, disseminating preventive policies, and increasing sustainable activities that contribute to addiction prevention and control.

Provincial Coordination Council on Combating Addiction ended after taking the general evaluations of the participants.