Helen Dalton MP Secures Critical Rural NSW Drug Forum In Griffith

Following continued discussions with Minister for Health, Ryan Park, Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has secured a critical summit focusing on rural drug and alcohol issues to be held in Griffith.

Ms Dalton said she was thrilled to announce that this much-needed summit would take place in Griffith.

“For too long we have had to rely on centralised treatment from distant Local Health Districts to address the problem of substance dependency and abuse in the bush,” Ms Dalton said.

“The community has been demanding a permanent, dedicated alcohol and drug rehab and mental health facility at Griffith Base Hospital for a very long time.

“I’m hoping that this summit is the first step in achieving that goal.”

The newly appointed Co-Chairs will work with attendees to develop and prioritise solutions that aims to improve the health and well being of the community and address other important issues, including:

• Equity, respect and inclusion;

• Safety and justice;

• Keeping people safe; and

• Integrated care and social support.

Ms Dalton said it was not just drugs that were a problem in rural and remote NSW.

“Alcohol abuse, domestic violence, gambling addiction and the lack of mental health services all need to be improved for those further west of Wagga,” Ms Dalton said.

“I’m pleased the government has chosen Griffith as one of the two summit locations.

“It’s important that voices from rural and remote NSW are heard, and that the government understands the problems and challenges we face with these issues in the bush.

The Drug Summit will take place on November 1 and bring together medical experts, police, people with lived and living experience, drug user organisations, families, service providers and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives and build consensus on the way NSW deals with drug use and harms.

• Topics:

• Health & Wellbeing