By Alesha Capone
Medical and health experts will gather in Wyndham for a conference on the harmful impacts of alcohol next month.
Senior clinicians, GPs, mental health experts and other professionals will attend The Alcohol Harm Reduction – Benefits of Collaboration conference at the Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing on September 7.
If the pandemic restrictions prevent the event from being held in person, it will be held online instead.
A new study from Turning Point and Monash University, released this month, found ambulance call-outs for alcohol-related harm rose by nine per cent, to 43,000 call-outs, across the state between January and September last year, compared to the same period in 2019.
Turning Point executive clinical director Dan Lubman said the findings showed the extent that COVID-19 restrictions had on alcohol consumption within the community.
“One of the things we identified was that the longer the lockdown went on, alcohol-related ambulance attendances increased,” Professor Lubman said.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network region – which covers 13 municipalities including Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Brimbank – recorded the highest number of people who engaged in treatment for alcohol-related issues in the nation, during the 12 months to July last year.
Across the area, 5725 people received help for drinking (compared to 5220 people in the 2018-19 financial year).
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said the municipality’s residents have faced many challenges in recent times.
“With increasing anxiety, stress, job insecurity and pressure on relationships, it is no wonder alcohol consumption has increased,” she said.
“Studies show high levels of alcohol consumption can lead to serious and ongoing health problems.”
Cr Hegedich said next month’s conference would feature Jack Nagle, a leading motivational speaker on drugs and alcohol.
“The conference is a great opportunity for industry professionals including clinicians, mental health professionals, students and academics and those who work in the homelessness sector or family violence services to network and work more collaboratively,” Cr Hegedich said.
Details: bit.ly/3yF3RHP
