MANDURAH will be better able to treat people with drug and alcohol problems after a multi-million dollar funding boost was announced.
Local service provider Palmerston Association will receive $12.87million to cater for Mandurah, Rockingham and Fremantle during the next five years.
With the new contracts in place, the services throughout Western Australia will be known as Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) instead of Community Drug Services.
Mental Health Minister Helen Morton spoke of the vital importance of the services.
“We know people are battling problems with alcohol and other drugs throughout the State, and accessing ongoing help close to where they live can be a vital point of difference between someone seeking help or not,” Mrs Morton said.
An additional one-off funding grant of $655,000 from the Drug and Alcohol Office allowed the organisation to move to new premises in Rockingham.
The new premises provide a larger space, allowing for 11 counselling rooms, two nurse stations, 12 workstations, and a large multi-purpose room for training or meetings.
Rockingham CADS provides medical and specialist services alongside counselling and support, in a partnership between the State Government’s Next Step service and Palmerston Association.
The Minister also announced an additional seven new contracts for alcohol and drugs service providers to continue services across Western Australia.
“Most people come to treatment services for problems with alcohol, so the new name makes it clear that these services are here to help people with alcohol as well as illicit drug problems,” Mrs Morton said.
In 2013-14, services across WA provided more than 11,700 treatment episodes to over 10,000 people.
Alcohol was the most common drug people sought help for at 36%, followed by cannabis at 29%, and amphetamines at 9%.
People seeking help for problems with alcohol or other drugs can call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024.
