Fifteen community health services will share in $8.4 million to expand the availability of pharmacotherapy.
Pharmacotherapy is the use of medication (such as methadone and buprenorphine) to help treat opioid dependence and is an essential part of Victoria’s efforts to reduce drug harm, with around 15,000 Victorians using pharmacotherapy each day.
Until now, pharmacotherapy services have largely been provided by GPs, nurse practitioners and state-funded clinics across Victoria – making these new grants for community health services a critical tool in filling service gaps by providing these services where they are needed most.
Funding will be provided over three years to a range of metro and regional community health services including Western Health.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said making pharmacotherapy accessible at these services will mean up to an additional 1,500 Victorians will be able to undertake this life-changing treatment.
“Pharmacotherapy is a proven, lifesaving treatment for people with opioid dependence, which is why we are making it more accessible through community health services right across Victoria,” she said.
“Victorians struggling with addiction deserve the best care, no matter where they live – and our Statewide Action Plan will change and save lives.”
The Statewide Action Plan includes a further $7.2 million investment to deliver Victoria’s first hydromorphone trial and the establishment of 20 naloxone vending machines.
