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.