VAADA Presents…

Methamphetamine update:

Findings from VMAX: A prospective study of people who use methamphetamine in Victoria and,
WE CAN DO THIS! Developing a culturally appropriate, evidence-based resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking to reduce or stop using methamphetamine

Synopsis

The ongoing VMAX study is the largest study of people who use methamphetamine in Australia; close to 800 participants are enrolled across Victoria. Led by Professor Paul Dietze from The Burnet Institute, in partnership with Monash Rural Health, the data is being collected to help improve services and determine the best time to intervene and prevent people transitioning to more problematic methamphetamine use patterns. This online presentation will provide an overview of the sample, mental and oral health, parental status, driving behaviours and service utilisation.

The NIMAC project (Novel Interventions to Address Methamphetamine in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities) is led by Professor James Ward from the University of Queensland and involves researchers from the Aboriginal Health Equity Theme at SAHMRI in partnership with several Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) nationally. The project is designed to provide qualitative and quantitative evidence to assist ACCHS to develop prevention and treatment strategies to address methamphetamine related harm. We Can Do This comprises seven modules that attempt to incorporate evidence-based and culturally-informed treatment approaches, presented in a culturally relevant format. This presentation will describe the background and development of the web-app and provide a brief demonstration of its contents.

The presenters

Professor Paul Dietze will lead the VMAX presentation. Paul is one of Australia’s leading alcohol and other drug epidemiologists with a significant national, and emerging international profile. With more than 20 years’ experience and an outstanding track record, his work has established internationally innovative surveillance systems and applied research designs that break new ground in the public health research into alcohol and other drug use and related harms in Australia.

Professor James Ward will lead the NIMAC presentation. James is a Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man, an infectious diseases epidemiologist and a national leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. He is currently the Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Professor within the School of Public Health at the University of Queensland. Holding various roles over the last 25 years in Aboriginal public health policy for both government and non-government organisations, in urban regional and remote communities he has built a national program of research in the epidemiology and prevention of infectious diseases in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Register Here for free: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_opoOON1hQ8Snr5CiQW6rUA