MARKUS MEETS WITH BMDARS
07-January-2011
Louise Markus MP, Federal Member for Macquarie, met with committee members of the Blue Mountains Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services (BMDARS) to listen to their concerns and needs for the program.
“BMDARS has been established to provide vital recovery services to the local Mountains region. I applaud their dedication to the local community,” Louise Markus said.
“This is a very sensitive issue and I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with BMDARS to hear first hand, the issues and challenges that they are facing on a daily basis,” Louise Markus said.
BMDARS will be focussing on the whole family with women and children a priority. BMDARS goal is to create a wholistic approach to the detox and recovery process.
“I believe that the involvement of families and the support of the community are critical to the treatment and recovery of the individual, leading to better outcomes,” Louise Markus said.
Current statistics reveal that one in five hospitalisations of young men and women between the ages of 15 and 24 are alcohol related, and of all those hospitalised 30% of young men and 23% of women are hospitalised because of an alcohol related assault.
“BMDARS is in its formative stages and we were very appreciative of meeting with Louise to discuss both our needs and the needs of the community,” said Miriam Bevis BMDARS acting chairperson.
BMDARS is an important initiative and the committee is seeking guidance for funding opportunities to provide a viable long term facility in the Mountains.
“I will continue work with the community and BMDARS as they work towards providing effective recovery solutions and services in the Blue Mountains region,” Louise Markus said.