*NOW CLOSED* COVID-19: Supporting ongoing delivery of alcohol and other drug services

Primary Health Tasmania has partnered with the Tasmanian Government on a capacity-building funding package to support continuity of alcohol and other drug services during the coronavirus pandemic.

A total of $235,000 in Australian and Tasmanian government funding is available through the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council (ATDC) Tasmania to help local community-based organisations respond to the impact of the pandemic.

ATDC chief executive Alison Lai said eligible organisations could apply for up to $25,000 to invest in initiatives to maintain service continuity.

“This may include minor building modifications to enable appropriate social distancing during treatment, to the boosting of outreach services to access clients unable to travel to treatment,” she said.

“We thank the Tasmanian Government and Primary Health Tasmania for making these vital funds available, which will support alcohol, tobacco and other drug services across the state, ensuring no-one is left behind.”

Primary Health Tasmania spokesperson Joyleene Abrey said while there’s reason for optimism about Tasmania’s COVID-19 recovery, healthcare providers have had to change the way they deliver services and these changes are likely to be in place for a while yet.

“The alcohol and other drug sector is doing a great job by continuing to help vulnerable Tasmanians during these difficult times, and we are pleased to have a role in making sure they can provide care in a safe and sustainable way,” she said.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 5 June.

More information is available on the ATDC website.