Alcohol and other drug service commissioning – targeting priority populations in priority locations

The Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) program at North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) is located within the Service and Development and Reform team and sits alongside the mental health, suicide prevention, priority population and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health portfolios.

NWMPHN funds 20 service providers to deliver AOD treatment across north west Melbourne, with activity delivered through 27 programs.

Seven of these programs are commissioned under the National Ice Action Strategy, with the remainder being transitioned from the Commonwealth under the previous Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program (NGOTGP) and the Substance Misuse Service Delivery Grants Fund (SMSDGF) programs.

Treatment and supports available to diverse community members across our catchment includes:

• Intake and assessment
• Counselling
• Assertive outreach
• Case management and care coordination
• Brief interventions
• Family support

We also fund a range of workforce capacity building programs targeting both mainstream and Aboriginal health staff within the region in order to enhance local, culturally sensitive programs.

A range of flexible, responsive and client-centred support is available, which targets priority locations and communities of need including people with AOD and mental health issues, LQBTIQ communities, young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Our Regional Health Needs Assessment identified a range of Local Government Areas within the catchment which have populations experiencing greater levels of AOD-related harm than state and national averages. AOD has been identified as a key health issue and is a key priority area for NWMPHN to support more integrated responses across the health system.

Each program aims to contribute to:

• Reduced harm from alcohol and drug use across the local community.
• The delivery of AOD treatment programs that are better tailored to the specific needs of target groups.
• Improved access to appropriate information and support for individuals, carers and families.
• Social improvements including employment, housing and improved personal relationships.
• Improved physical and emotional health.
• Connection to community and meaningful use of time.

For more information about funded programs please visit our system of care.