The conference is targeted at consumers, families and carers, workers, policy makers, and researchers. It is expected that 100 people from both non-government and government services will participate.

The ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) sector is committed to evidence-informed policy and practice. This approach is reflected in key policy documents, such as the ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy 2010 – 2014 and the National Drug Strategy 2010 – 2015. The sector is also committed to achieving the goal of better integration and implementation between researchers, policy workers and practitioners in the ACT and region.

For more information our see our calendar or the conference’s webpage.

1. The new National Pharmaceutical Misuse Strategy
2. Workforce Development, including the qualification strategy
3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worker wellbeing and resources

Each workshops will be chaired by local stakeholders and facilitated by Prof Ann Roche, Director of the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction.

Date: Postponed

Time:
Workshop 1: 9:30am – 11:30am
Workshop 2: 12pm – 2pm
Workshop 3: 2.30pm – 4.30pm
(see flyer for details)

Venue: Griffith Community Hall, 53 Stuart St, Griffith (free parking)

Food: Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided

RSVP per workshop essential to ATODA on office@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070 by Monday 7 May 2012. Please liaise within your organisation regarding attendance, as places are capped at 20 participants and different representatives may wish to participate in different workshops.

Download the forum flyer

ACT Chief Minister & Minister for Health Ms Katy Gallagher launched the program on Friday 16 December at the ACT Legislative Assembly.  Additional speakers included Professor Paul Dietze, Burnet Institute, and Ms Nicole Wiggins, Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy.

This important public health program has been developed by the ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector. This initiative has been driven by the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA) and the multidisciplinary Expanding Naloxone Availability in the ACT (ENAACT) Committee.

About the program

The training will be conducted for opioid users and other potential overdose witnesses over a two-year year period with 200 participants. Eligible participants who successfully complete the training will be prescribed naloxone by a General Practitioner upon reaching a level of competence and assessment.

Topics addressed in the training program will include recognising opioid ovedose; risk factors for opioid overdose and responding to opioid overdose (including resuscitation techniques, calling for an ambulance and administration of naloxone).

An independent evaluation of the program will assess the implementation of the program and participants’ experiences of the program. It will contribute significantly to new knowledge about the implementation of expanded naloxone availability in the ACT context and across Australia.

This program will be rolled out in the ACT beginning in early 2012.  For further information see:

• ACT Overdose Management Program Description, the Expanding Naloxone Availability in the ACT Question and Answer (Q&A) document, further background and research evidence at www.atoda.org.au/policy/naloxone/

Media

There was and continues to be ACT and national media coverage including headline news items on the ABC, television coverage and the front page of Saturday 17 December 2011 Canberra Times.  For a summary of media coverage see the media section at www.atoda.org.au/policy/naloxone/

See also the launch’s Media Brief http://www.atoda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Australias-First-Overdose-Naloxone-Program-Media-Brief-151211.pdf

Individuals wishing to obtain subsidised NRT will be provided with a copy of the NRT Policy, which contains further information as well as the registration form. On receipt of the completed registration form ATODA will liaise with one of the four partner pharmacies and the individual to arrange the provision of the NRT.  Individuals will be asked to participate in confidential evaluation processes to assess the progression of their smoking management, reduction and/or cessation.

Individuals are actively encouraged to engage with their health professionals prior to beginning NRT and ATODA will provide smoking cessation information and resources.  Tobacco counselling and support services are available by calling the Quitline on 13 78 48 and in the ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Services Directory.

For further information please contact Kathryn Sequoia on (02) 6255 4070 or at tobacco@atoda.org.au