Melanie Raymond, Chairperson

Needle and syringe programs save lives. They save our health system millions of dollars and are proving to be highly effective in limiting the spread of disease. In particular, they are key to tackling the rise of sexually transmitted infections and Hepatitis C.

Australia remains a world leader in limiting the spread of blood borne diseases, primarily through early adoption of grassroots education, dialogue and funding for programs like needle and syringe programs. But we still have a long way to go.
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The highs and lows of Melbourne’s drug scene

It seems the Dandy Warhols didn’t quite get it right when they released their 2007 hit "Heroin is So Passé".

In the same year, the Australian Drug Statistics Handbook found that, contrary to popular belief, the number of non-fatal heroin overdoses attended by Ambulance Victoria had risen by 104 percent. One quarter of these overdoses happened in the City of Yarra. Read more

Drug Action Week

Drug Action Week aims to raise awareness about alcohol and other drug issues in Australia, during the week commencing June 19.

An initiative of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia, with funding support from the Department of Health and Ageing, Drug Action Week provides individuals, organisations, and communities with the opportunity to promote awareness of alcohol and other drugs, and highlights the achievements of the dedicated individuals who work within the alcohol and other drugs sector to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm. Read more

Top ten with Axle Whitehead

1. Your character on Home & Away, Liam Murphy, deals with some pretty heavy drug problems. What sort of advice would you offer your character?

I’d tell him that as hard as it is, he must talk to someone and tell them what’s going on. Opening up and admitting what’s going on is the most important thing.
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Foot Patrol – a Needle and Syringe Program

Program info:
Foot Patrol is a street-based needle and syringe program that operates across Melbourne CBD.

Established in 1996 during the height of the heroin crisis in Melbourne, Foot Patrol prevents the transmission of blood borne viruses through the provision of clean injecting equipment, safer using advice, safe syringe disposal units, contraception, safe sex information, support and referrals. Read more

Meet Gina*, Age 32

Gina, 32, had a steady job, a home and a long-term partner when her occasional drug experimentation began to spiral out of control. Until this point, Gina was able to keep her drug use at a level that did not impact significantly on her ability to function from day to day. Read more

Event: Drugs in Focus Film Festival

One of the highlights of Drug Action Week is the annual Drugs In Focus Free Film Festival. Now in its fourth year, the festival will be held on Thursday the 23rd of June, hosted by Youth Projects in partnership with the City of Melbourne.
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