Heroin overdose initiatives

The Minister for Health, Rob Knowles, has announced two initiatives to help tackle heroin overdose, as well as increased training for professionals on alcohol and drugs.

"The two initiatives I am announcing today represent two kinds of response - the immediate response to the escalating problem of heroin overdose and the longer-term investment in training for key professional groups on alcohol and drugs.

"We cannot afford to ignore the immediate harms that are occurring at this time in our community - one of the most urgent of which is heroin overdose.

"Since the beginning of this year, we have lost more than one member of the community a day. In the past 12 months ambulances have attended over 2000 non-fatal heroin overdose incidents."

The Government will implement a Heroin Overdose Prevention Initiative.

"If we are to reduce the rate at which heroin overdose is climbing in our community, there are some key messages that must reach heroin users. This is core information that can assist users to reduce their own risk and that of their friends," Mr Knowles said.

Key messages to heroin users are:

• Avoid using alone
• Consider the pills and alcohol you may already have taken
• Remember if you haven't used for a while, your tolerance will be lower
• Always test the dose.

"Any of us who suspect that someone may be experiencing an overdose, should ring 000 and request an ambulance. Do not delay. In most cases a quick response can save a life," Mr Knowles said.

A series of information resources will be developed, including wallet cards and pamphlets, which will be widely distributed through a range of services and user networks.

VIVAIDS, the intravenous drug user group, will dedicate the next edition of their Whack magazine for users to the issue of overdose.

Workshops will be held in a number of locations in Melbourne and rural Victoria where the incidence of fatal and non-fatal heroin overdose has been high, including St Kilda, Footscray and Geelong.

"Professionals working with drug users also play a key role in getting information about overdose risk to their clients.

"Training will also play a vital role in ensuring that workers are equipped to meet the needs of people they come in contact with experiencing alcohol and drug problems.

"$3.3 million has been allocated to train workers in the field.

"And $2 million has been designated to provide preservice training.

"By addressing training needs on both fronts the way will be paved for a sustainable future for new and current workers' skill development," Mr Knowles said.

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Health, 18 February 1999)