FY 2013 Activity Report
Miyagi Danshukai, an NPO
Vice-Chairman – Shinichiro Tsuruga
1. Introduction
The NPO Miyagi Danshukai conducts social welfare activities centered on consultations andpublic awareness projects for people with alcohol abuse problems at 19 locations throughout theprefecture, mainly in Sendai. In addition, after the earthquake, we have been developing activities
in disaster areas, fearing that alcohol problems will worsen or increase because of difficulties suchas changes in housing and living environments. Here, I would like to report on what we have beenworking on in collaboration with Tohokukai Hospital, which specializes in the treatment of alcoholrelated problems.
2. Activity Content (Report)(1) Motoyoshi Danshukai
This Danshukai was established in June 2013 with the support of the government. It wastriggered after a person who was treated for alcoholism and aimed to stop drinking (hereinafterreferred to as an “alcohol abuser”) proposed its establishment to a local public health nurse.
Currently, it is a place where, once a month, people can easily discuss alcohol-related issues.
Participants range from alcohol abusers and their families to Tohokukai Hospital staff (doctors,psychiatric social workers, nurses), local public health nurses, medical institution staff, andsupporters. The venue was Motoyoshi Public Hall, and the average number of participants was 15.
Two people from the Danshukai participate and play an auxiliary role in management.
(2) Shichigahama Alcohol Issues ClubThis group was established in June 2012 because there was no Danshukai in the meeting areaand because it was difficult for individuals in this area to participate in the self-help group meetings
held in Sendai. This group still meets twice a month. We distributed a leaflet regarding the roundtable conference to the residents of Shichigahama, especially the alcohol abusers living in
prefabricated temporary housing, and made them aware of the existence of this group. Similarly,
we presented a report on the status of our activities at the government office and have solicited
requests for cooperation.
The venue was the Shichigahama Town Lifelong Learning Center, and two to three people
participated from Dansyukai and responded to consultations. As a result, we have been able to workwith five alcohol abusers so far.
(3) Higashimatsushima Alcohol-Related Project
We participated and cooperated with Tohokukai Hospital and other self-help groups in an
alcohol-related project in Higashimatsushima. The purpose of this project was to have local publichealth nurses and supporters gain knowledge about alcoholism and perceive an image of recovery.
We have participated since November 2013, and each time two members of the Danshukai shared
their experiences as alcohol abusers and spread information about the existence of our association.
The venue was a temporary housing assembly hall.
3. Conclusion
We of the Danshukai set up the above-mentioned opportunities to tackle post-disaster alcoholrelated issues.
In particular, 2013 was a year in which our activities so far, such as the establishment of theMotoyoshi Danshukai and the continued holding of the Alcohol Issues Club, have come to fruition.
I also feel that we were able to deepen the understanding of alcohol-related problems among local
supporters. We would like to continue the activities listed here in FY 2014 and further develop them.

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