New drug and alcohol services for pregnant women and new mothers

13th April 2018

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack officially launched a $1.8 million program today to support pregnant women and new mothers living in Murrumbidgee communities who are experiencing alcohol and other drug disorders.

The Women’s Wellness and Recovery Program provides tailored specialist treatment and practical support as early as possible, to improve the health and wellbeing of women and their children.

Mr McCormack said the program was vital to assist mothers and expectant mothers struggling with substance abuse.

“The Liberals and Nationals in Government recognise the importance of providing pathways to help those in our community who need it most,” Mr McCormack said.

“I am committed to addressing alcohol and other drug-related issues within the Riverina and Central West as well as the wider Australian community.

“The Government has provided $1,649,062 to the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network to do just that.”

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) Chief Executive Officer Melissa Neal said the program is being delivered under the Australian Government’s National Ice Action Strategy.

“We worked in close partnership with Murrumbidgee Family and Community Services and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) to source a suitable provider for this important service; selecting Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre.

“Calvary Riverina is a local not-for-profit drug and alcohol specialist provider that has been serving our communities for many years,” Ms Neal said.

Calvary Riverina Chief Executive Officer Robin Haberecht said the one-to-one individualised and community-based support service included drug education, specialist treatment and counselling within a family-based intervention framework.

“Participation in the program is voluntary and free with the outpatient setting providing support within and from the community, to provide the best chance for mothers and children to stay together and maximise their health outcomes.

“Potential participants can self-refer, be referred by a doctor, the MLHD or another service provider,” Ms Haberecht said.

The program is currently available in Wagga Wagga and once established, will roll out to other regional locations in Griffith, Young and Deniliquin.

Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre gratefully acknowledges the financial and other support from Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, under the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Resources

Womens Wellness_Agency Booklet

Womens Wellness_Clients Booklet

About Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre

Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre is the only one of its kind in NSW to that delivers residential, inpatient and outpatient programs from one site. Established for more than 20 years, in 2015 an infrastructure grant and land gifted from Calvary was used to build the current contemporary facility. For more information visit https://www.calvarycare.org.au/riverina-private-hospital/services-and-clinics/drug-and-alcohol-centre/

About Calvary

Calvary is a charitable Catholic not-for-profit organisation with more than 12,000 staff and volunteers, 15 public and private hospitals, 17 retirement and aged care facilities, and a national network of community care centres. We operate across six states and territories within Australia. Established in Sydney in 1885, by the arrival of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary in Australia, our mission is to provide health care to the most vulnerable, including those reaching the end of their life.

About Murrumbidgee PHN

Murrumbidgee PHN is a not for profit primary healthcare organisation. Our aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of our people, resulting in resilient communities across the Murrumbidgee. MPHN is one of 31 PHNs in Australia with the objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time. The Primary Health Networks Programme is an Australian Government initiative. More information at www.mphn.org.au