Liam McNally
Drug overdoses have taken the lives of 121 people in Melton and Moorabool in the last decade, according to the latest Coroners Court of Victoria report.
The 16 overdose deaths in Melton was the 11th highest of any local government area in the state in 2022, and was almost double the nine that died in 2021.
In Moorabool there were four deaths in 2022, while state wide their was 549, up from 500 in 2021.
While population has been increasing rapidly in Melton and Moorabool, the number of drug overdose deaths has also been trending upward.
Western Health head of addiction Medicine Dr Jon Cook said any loss of life through overdose is a tragedy.
“The population we care for in Melbourne’s west is increasing rapidly and drug use levels are not declining,” he said.
“We’re also seeing patterns of drug change across our community. More patients are using unprescribed pharmaceutical opioids in combination with other drugs, and tragically, many people are unaware of just how lethal such combinations can be.
“We have the opportunity now to learn lessons from the massive challenge of opioid addiction in the United States, and get ahead of the problem by investing in specialised services for treatment of opioid dependence.”
Dr Cook said his message to the community to prevent drug overdose is to seek the help you need, when you need it, whether it’s for yourself or someone close to you.
“The social stigma of drug use can make people hesitate to come forward. Remember that help is available to treat long-term addiction, and if you are with someone who you believe has overdosed, call for medical help straight away,” he said.
“Addiction can affect people from all walks of life. The sooner we can get people into treatment, the more lives we can save. We can do this by reducing the stigma of drug use, raising awareness of the services and supports available in the west, and boosting service capacity, especially in high growth areas such as Melton.
Western Health’s drug health services offer a diverse range of programs at Melton Community Health Centre, Melton Headspace, and Bacchus Marsh.
