News

MDAS joins 'ice' research partnership

Mon, 24 Nov 2014 04:11:00

The Mallee’s key Indigenous organisation is taking a lead role in a research project aimed at developing a Statewide methamphetamine (ice) prevention progam for the Koori community.

The University of Melbourne’s Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Research Unit is partnering with Mallee District Aboriginal Services in the Strengthening the Victorian Aboriginal community’s response to methamphetamine (ice) use project.
MDAS Social and Emotional Wellbeing manager Raelene Stephens said the research would include a series of interviews in Mildura next week to gather data, stories and feedback.
“We’re looking for people from within the Koori community who are willing to share their experiences and their insight with the researchers,” Ms Stephens said.
“The researchers are keen to include the voices of Aboriginal people who have recovered from ice use and to look at how to improve the service system response to ice use,” she said.
“We already know there’s a high level of concern about ice in Mildura and the effect it is having – this is a chance for those who are most affected to give their input on better prevention and response.
“We want to speak with past ice users, or current users who have successfully cut down their use, as well as family members of ice users.”
The research being led by Sarah MacLean, from Onemda, has a strength-based focus and will also involve input from key stakeholders including alcohol and drug workers and other health professionals.
Interviews with community members will take about half an hour and are strictly confidential. Participants will be provided with a $25 Coles Myer voucher.
“People volunteering to be interviewed will not have their identities revealed to anyone,” Ms Stephens said.
The interviews will be held in the week beginning November 24, but can be arranged at other suitable times.  Anyone willing to discuss their experiences for the project can contact Ross Hensgen from MDAS Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team on 0409 909 308.