The department has prioritised expansion of care programmes to people who have been treated for substance abuse among previously disadvantaged communities. The department has also committed to establish eight more local drug action committees in order to strengthen interventions at local level.

“In the year ahead, 26 non-profit organisations (NPOs), which render outpatient treatment programmes, will reach 6 500 beneficiaries. Seven in-patient treatment centres will provide services to 1 820 clients. In addition, aftercare services rendered to persons who have been treated for substance abuse, will reach 12 250 beneficiaries,” Mekgwe said during the department’s Budget Vote on Friday.

The department has allocated an amount of R82 851 million towards programmes that are aimed at preventing and reducing substance abuse.

Mekgwe said a provincial strategy is being implemented by the department on the prevention and management of substance abuse and also increase availability and accessibility of in-patients and out-patient treatment centres by making use of provincial state clinics and some hospitals.

The department further commits to continue collaboration with soccer players regarded as legends and role models by millions of young people, to spread the message that “doing drugs is not cool.”

“During the 2011/12 financial year, some of our clinics will be adapted to accommodate patients from out-patient treatment centres, making the service more accessible and youth friendly,” Mekgwe said.

To achieve this, health promoters, including social workers and auxiliary social workers, will be trained on substance abuse.

The department  also committed to strengthen its community based care and support services through extension of funding to 52 home based care NPOs rendering services to 12 010 frail older persons in the community.