People at risk of harm from alcohol and drug use in the Mid North Coast region, will have greater access to support and treatment, with a $17.1 million funding boost from the NSW Government to enhance services over four years.
The investment includes funding for Mid North Coast Local Health District and local non-government organisations services, including:
- $12.4 million over four years has been allocated to Mid North Coast Local Health District to increase access to specialist alcohol and other drug treatment services.
- $600,000 over 3 years has been allocated for community-based prevention programs for Aboriginal young people aged 12-24 years.
- $2.1 million over four years for youth day rehabilitation and counselling, delivered by The Buttery.
- $2 million over four years for community based withdrawal management, case management and counselling for priority populations, delivered by The Buttery (this was already announced for Lismore, but the service covers both regions).
Aboriginal AOD prevention programs
Funding will be provided to Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations to deliver community-based prevention programs for Aboriginal young people aged 12-24 years old. These programs will be culturally safe and based on community need. They will be innovative and trial novel approaches, building evidence of effective prevention strategies for Aboriginal communities.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Services
The district will be able to provide more drug and alcohol services through this expansion in its specialist drug and alcohol workforce. There will be better access to withdrawal management, growth of the medical, nursing, and allied health workforce and more staff in the Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Services (SUPPS). A new multidisciplinary team will treat people who have not previously accessed treatment. This team will also provide a new service for young people 12 years of age and over. The funding will also be directed to expansion of the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program, including funding for increased access to residential rehabilitation.
Day rehabilitation and counselling for young people
The community rehabilitation program provides group and individual counselling, care coordination, and family support for up to 6 months. Young people will receive assistance with accessing a range of other health and social services, and have access to online learning, and follow up support for up to 6 months after the program. Up to 48 young people will be able to receive support each year.
Withdrawal management and counselling
People will be offered withdrawal management in partnership with local GPs, assertive case-management and AOD psychosocial counselling for up to six months.
Face to face and virtual care will be available. Up to 360 people will be able to receive treatment each year across the Mid-North Coast, and Northern NSW.
Drug Summit
The NSW Government held a multiday regional Drug Summit in Griffith and Lismore in November, bringing together health experts, police, people with lived and living experiences, drug user organisations, families and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives.
The Summit will also include a Sydney forum to be held on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December,
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park
"I am so pleased to announce this important investment into these life changing services, which will boost access to much needed support services in this region.
"We are continuing our commitment to improving health outcomes for people, and their families, impacted by drugs and alcohol across the state.
"The programs we are investing in, are targeted to meet the unique needs of people living in regional areas, and priority population groups including Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people with mental health conditions, young people, and people involved in the criminal justice system."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, Cameron Murphy MLC
"We know that drug use impacts individuals, families and communities in many different ways, and that's why this investment will mean so much to people in Mid North Coast NSW.
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Oxley, Anthony D'Adam MLC
"It's vital that we continue to support local community organisations, that work hand in hand with Mid North Coast Local Health District to help people achieve recovery and rebuild their lives."
