DRUG and alcohol issues in the region are set to be addressed with a $3m Federal Government investment into local provider Uniting Communities and Substance Misuse Limestone Coast working party.
Not-for-profit Uniting Communities will receive $825,000 per year over three years to deliver its New Roads program in Mount Gambier.
The non-residential day program has two components, including an intensive day program focusing on giving people the best chance to beat addiction without the need to leave their home.
The windfall will also fund a home detox program, offered in conjunction with GP services that will include withdrawal services, medical support post withdrawal support and a treatment plan to address behaviour change and harm minimisation.
From July 1, Substance Misuse Limestone Coast will receive $175,000 each year until 2022 to develop a long term drug action strategy for the South East.
The region’s peak drug and alcohol advocacy group seek to establish a community-based collaborative that will incorporate public education programs, reactive treatment programs and training and education for professionals.
Making the announcement in Mount Gambier last night, Health Minister Greg Hung said the funding announcement demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting the community in the fight against substance abuse.
“Alcohol and drug misuse affects not just the individuals involved, but the people and communities around them,” he said.
“Treatment services are crucial to enable people with substance problems to get their lives back on track.”
“It was a persistent and determined lobbying effort by the Member for Barker, that helped to secure the funding, for a community he is clearly very passionate about.”
Barker MP Tony Pasin welcomed the cash injection, saying it accompanied a range of Federal Government initiatives seeking to address the issue of substance abuse in the region.
“The Minister has been incredibly receptive to hearing my concerns on this issue over the past couple of years,” he said.
“I thank the Minister for working with me on this.
“It’s a great outcome.”
“I know alcohol and other drug abuse is an issue for the Limestone Coast and it is something I have been speaking about with the Minister for a long time.”
“My advocacy within Government has seen Mount Gambier receive funding for one of the first Local Drug Action Teams in the country, the Good Sports Program roll out across the region and Focus One set up a dedicated office in Mount Gambier.”
“Stand-alone these initiatives may seem small but together they play a very important role in addressing the issue.”
The localised funding is part of a $268m cash injection for Australian’s battling alcohol and drug issues.
From July 1, PHNs will receive $45m a year for alcohol and other drug treatment services.
Withdrawal management and rehabilitation services that currently receive government funding can apply for a share of $29m a year in continued funding.
Four national research centres will receive $24m over three years to continue to undertake research into alcohol and other drug issues, including the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction which is based at Flinders University.
An additional $4.9m will continue for alcohol and peak drug treatment and support services.
As a new initiative, the government will trial a two year program of a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses.
