The Statewide Action Plan is a $95.1 million investment by the Victorian Government in a health-led approach, with initiatives to reduce drug harms, save lives and give more people the care they need.
The plan responds to all the recommendations of the Lay Report, delivering on all but one and providing more support for services in the CBD, suburbs and regions.
The plan also builds on services available at the existing Medically Supervised Injecting Room in North Richmond. From 1 July, North Richmond Community Health will enhance their current services at the facility in partnership with St Vincent's, Access Health and Community, and Your Community Health.
Key initiatives
Expanding access to pharmacotherapy
Through a $8.4 million grants program targeting high-demand or looming service gaps, we are expanding access to pharmacotherapy in up to 30 locations across Victoria. This will allow up to 1,500 more Victorians to access life-changing treatment. The community pharmacotherapy grant program will open in 2024.
Naloxone vending machines
We are trialling 20 Naloxone vending machines alongside existing needle and syringe programs so that this completely safe medication can be more easily accessed at any time of day to help people in a life-or-death emergency.
Australian-first 'Never Use Alone' helpline
We are trialling a new helpline, which will offer anonymous care and advice to individuals at risk of overdose. The purpose of the helpline is to reduce overdose risk and assist emergency services to respond faster if needed. Work to develop the helpline will be undertaken across 2024-25.
Community Health Hub at 244 Flinders St
In partnership with cohealth, we are establishing a dedicated Community Health Hub at 244 Flinders St. This Hub will offer comprehensive health and social support services to the CBD community.
When it opens in 2026, the Hub will be a gateway for wraparound health and social support services and provide comprehensive case management for the most vulnerable.
It will also host a Victorian-first hydromorphone treatment trial for select participants who have been treatment-resistant.
Wraparound services
In addition to the Hub, the plan also delivers wraparound services at the Salvation Army Centre at 69 Bourke St, which provides medical, nursing, and mental health support. Delivery will commence as soon as possible in 2024.
Expanded street outreach services
The plan will boost cohealth street teams in the CBD and expand street outreach to two other Melbourne locations. Scale up and roll out will begin after 1 July 2024.
More leadership and strategic planning
The plan also includes the appointment of Victoria's first Chief Addiction Adviser within the state's health system and the development of Victoria's long-term strategy to address alcohol and other drug harms.
Reviewed 03 June 2024