Urgent policy and funding needs in the Alcohol and other Drug Sector in response to COVID-19 A coalition of Australian alcohol and other drug services
As a result of the 2019-2020 coronavirus pandemic,
What is needed?
some significant changes have been made to the
1. Introduce ongoing telehealth and
delivery of Australia’s alcohol and other drugs
digital options
services that have the potential to significantly
Enhancing video and telephone-delivered
improve responses to people who use drugs in the
specialist care for clients and staff will require
future if permanently introduced.
infrastructure, training and guidance, as well as
Among them: • Services have moved to telehealth and found that
research for developing models of best practice. 2. Increasing access and affordability of opioid
this is a viable approach to delivering alcohol and
pharmacotherapies
other drug services.
-P ermanently establish pandemic-related
• Services have removed some of the significant barriers to accessing pharmacotherapy, including, for example, a relaxation of restrictions on take home doses. We are calling on Australian, State and Territory Governments to respond with policy changes and
changes to increase service flexibility. - Formalise practice guidance on opioid pharmacotherapy prescribing. - Remove dispensing fees through subsidies to primary care dispensers. 3. Investment in regional and rural Australia
additional funding for the treatment sector to
must include investment in alcohol and other
enable these enhancements on an ongoing basis.
drug services
This will improve access to treatment for people
Identify regional areas of need and invest in
who use alcohol and other drugs, and reduce the
infrastructure and workforce to support access
social and financial burden on individuals, families
to treatment for regional residents.
and the community. 66
The Health Advocate • AUGUST 2020