$20 million boost for in need SA drug and alcohol treatment services
The Federal Government has announced the recipients of $20 million worth of grants to boost in need drug and alcohol treatment services including in Grey
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the funding, which has been awarded a number of organisations, will assist people in the Peterborough, Port Augusta and Ceduna regions battling the effects of substance abuse and will increase the capacity of the overstretched treatment services in South Australia.
Mr Ramsey said 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.” he said.
In Peterborough the Government will invest $1,756,604 into three organisations- Aboriginal Healthy Council SA, SA Network of Drug and Alcohol Services and Country and Outback Health Incorporated.
In Port Augusta the Government will invest $2,479,810 Aboriginal health of SA, Baptist care SA, SA Network of Drug and Alcohol Services.
In Ceduna the Government will invest $3,009,338 through Aboriginal Health Council SA, Baptist Care SA, SA Network of Drug and Alcohol Services and Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council SA.
Mr Ramsey said 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 in these areas of Grey.
“A high number of applications from committed treatment organisations were received as part of this measure to boost services in areas of need which included these regions,” Mr Ramsey said.
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.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said areas of need were based on a range of factors which included the range of existing services in particular regions and demand for those services.
“This funding will increase the treatment service offerings in South Australia including counselling, detox, residential rehabilitation with some of the services focussing on youth and rural areas,” Minister Hunt said.
“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.”
“For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.”
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 8633 1744
March 13 2019