Murray Mallee General Practice Network has been selected as one of the organisations to receive funding from a $20m boost to SA’s drug and rehabilitation services

Selected drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in South Australia have received a $20m boost as the Federal Government steps up efforts to deal with the state’s ice epidemic.

The announcement from Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt revealing the recipients of grants to boost the state’s drug and rehabilitation services is warmly welcomed by Murray Mallee General Practice Network.

Murray Mallee General Practice Network is one of nine organisations that will be funded to provide programs to assist people battling the effects of substance abuse and increase the capacity of the overstretched treatment services in South Australia.

Methamphetamine use in South Australia is well above the national average both in urban and regional areas.

Communities can be hit hard by substance misuse. Its effects are felt deeply and can continue for years.

We know that people impacted by alcohol and drugs need to be able to access appropriate support when and where they need it. This funding will help provide this access.

The Department of Health consulted with the South Australian Government, the South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services and the Primary Health Networks who undertook extensive needs assessments to determine service gaps in their regions. As a result, it was decided that funding was to be provided in the Fleurieu Peninsula; Peterborough and Mid North; Port Augusta; Ceduna; Murray Bridge; Playford; Port Adelaide; and Onkaparinga.

Murray Mallee General Practice Network will be funded to provide drug and rehabilitation services in Murray Bridge & surrounding areas.

Alcohol and drug misuse doesn’t just affect one person; it also affects their families, friends and the surrounding community.
 
Increasing the level of funding for drug and alcohol treatment in South Australia, will improve lives impacted by drug use.

This funding forms part of the Liberal National Government’s broader investment of more than $723 million in the Drug and Alcohol Program.

Murray Mallee General Practice Network currently offers support for clients experiencing mental health problems through their well-established programs throughout the Murray Mallee region. The free service provides psychological support to address mental illness ensuring that the individual’s needs are addressed by the most appropriate services in the community.