CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Okinawa International University students attended a seminar at the Substance Abuse Counseling Center Feb. 15 aboard Camp Foster.
The seminar presented the 23 students with information on the different types of programs offered to service members and their families.
“It is good to have the university students come on base,” said Maki Takahashi, the clerk at the substance abuse counseling center. “Off base the behavioral health system is not quite as in depth, so this option gives them the opportunity to see other programs.”
The students learned about the community counselling program, family advocacy program and substance abuse counselling programs available.
“I was impressed to learn about the supportive services the military service members are able to access,” said Kanon Tamamoto, a student at the Okinawa International University.
This marked the ninth year university students attended the seminar. During the seminar, students were taken to each section of behavioral health and explained the individual role the section plays in prevention and care of its Marines and sailors.
“I want more people to understand that these kind of supportive services are available,” said Tamamoto. “This was good reference to learn about the services that I can offer across Okinawa in the future.”