Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong recorded the state’s seventh highest number of heroin overdose deaths between July 2020 and June 2022, new data reveals.
The Coroners Court of Victoria data, released to the Victorian Drug and Alcohol Association, reveals there were 15 heroin overdose deaths in the city of Maribyrnong between July 2020 and June 2022.
Melbourne recorded the highest number of deaths (29), followed by Brimbank (28) and Yarra (23).
cohealth acohol and drug cluster leader Dean Rogut said said COVID lead to increased usage, lower tolerances leading to susceptibility of overdosing and Maribyrnong is a disadvantaged area which needs support.
“We know that social disadvantage can be related to problematic substance use, which means that geographic areas with greater disadvantage may see more drug harms,” he said.
Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said council works closely with cohealth at its support clinics in Footscray and the Braybrook Community Hub.
“This important public health initiative helps prevent the spread of bloodborne viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C and reduces the harms associated with injecting drug use,” she said.
At these clinics clients can access a wide range of services including the supply of clean injecting equipment, health care and counselling and recovery pathways.
Visitors can also access family drug support, free Nalaxone (overdose reversal drug) and training in how to use it and help from a non-residential withdrawal nurse.
“Rather than treating people like criminals, we need to act with compassion and care and work towards reducing stigma and discrimination,” Mr Rogut said.
Cr Carter said council received a grant that will be used to build community skills to reduce harms in the area.
“We have received a $40,000 VicHealth Alcohol Harm Prevention Grant that will be used to build organisation and community skills to minimise harms associated with alcohol and other drugs,” she said.
“This includes working with schools and local businesses to provide training on alcohol harm prevention and upskilling Council customer service and community centre staff in responding to drug affected community members,” she said.
