Reducing Harms Associated With the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs
Overview
The work of HealthWest’s Health Promotion Network in this priority area is to reduce alcohol and other drug-related harm in Melbourne’s western communities. As stated by the National Drug Strategy, harm minimisation does not condone drug use; rather, it refers to policies and programs aimed at reducing drug-related harm. Harm minimisation aims to improve health, social and economic outcomes for both the community and the individual.
HealthWest takes a multi-strategy, comprehensive primary health care approach to alcohol and other drugs. This involves understanding the importance of the determinants of health, and underpinning overall planning with health promotion principles and our Healthy Communities, Healthy Lives planning model that joins up research, policy, planning and prevention with best practice care.
Research to Inform Prevention Strategies
HealthWest has undertaken a literature review of the social determinants for prevention of alcohol and other drug-related harms to gain a better understanding of the use of alcohol and other drugs, and risk and protective factors, in Melbourne’s western communities of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham and Melton.
The review, which includes the social determinants of health and the relationships they have on health statistics, covers current data on the prevalence of use, burden of disease, service use, hospital administration, risk and protective factors, and social demographics for alcohol, tobacco, illicit and licit drugs.
The review will be used to add to the evidence base and knowledge in Melbourne’s western region and to support and inform the development of local programs and strategies. The timeline for completion of the review is July–August 2010.
Objectives and Activities
- To complete a literature review exploring the social determinants for the reduction of alcohol and other drug-related harm in the HealthWest catchment.
- Undertake a drug and alcohol health needs analysis.
- Seek and support funding proposals that have a primary prevention approach to preventing alcohol and drug-related harm.
- Represent and support local initiatives and the needs of communities by joining organisational and government committees such as Municipal Public Health Plans, community health project committees and other initiatives.
- Represent the needs of communities and partners by participating in relevant policy and program consultations, committees and forums.
- Advocate for the primary prevention of alcohol and other drug-related harm (for example, availability and access to alcohol) in Victoria’s statewide plan.
- Support participation in workforce development and training opportunities.
Outcomes expected include:
- The development of an evidence base to inform a relevant and targeted prevention plan.
- Increased knowledge and awareness of the social determinants of alcohol and other drug use and related harm.
- Application of the knowledge and evidence to local prevention programs.
Reports
Summary: 2010 HealthWest Data Report
The ‘Minimising Harm Associated with the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs in the HealthWest Catchment’ is a data report which outlines the current use and impacts of alcohol, tobacco, illicit, prescription/over the counter drugs, risk and protective factors relating to harmful use of alcohol and other drugs, as well as an overview of current policies. This report provides an evidence base and future harm minimisation recommendations for HealthWest and member organisations in alcohol and other drugs.