The United States Consulate General and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Curacao are proud to support the visit of Major League Baseball speaker Dr. Raymond Blais October 22-24, 2009.
Blais, a trained psychologist, was hired by MLB as the employee assistance professional to combat the drug abuse problem with presentations and seminars, and by working closely with baseball academy staff.
Educating future Major Leaguers about the dangers of performance-enhancing substances, drug abuse and the healthy alternatives available is also a priority for Curacao.
"In Curacao, steroids are no bigger an issue than in any other place, just like in the States." Speaking in general terms Blais said. "But it's such an underground issue that we won't get a player to say openly what he has or has not used; so there will always be some mystery. We know what positive tests are showing, so we get an idea of what substances are being consumed. The positive tests are decreasing, and we are optimistic that will continue."
Mr. Blais participates in two youth outreach programs organized by the Curacao Baseball City Foundation and other partners. The events are scheduled at the Humanist School in Buena Vista today and Tio Daou Ballpark on Saturday, October 24, 2009 between 9-11am.
We are pleased to cooperate with Major League Baseball and the Curacao Baseball City Foundation in these events that benefit the youth of Curacao.