Women’s addiction treatment centre funding boost
Plans for an addiction treatment centre for women in Navan have received a major boost with confirmation in the Budget that the running costs will be funded by the HSE.
The secondary treatment facility, which is planned for the Slane Road, has the potential to save many lives each year.
Funding had been provided for Meath County Council to build the facility, which will be called Misneach, and will offer a 12-week programme to addicts who have been through the initial detox programme.
A site for the facility, which will be run in a similar manner to the Tabor House facility for men in Navan, has been provided by Tara Mines and while Meath County Council had agreed to build the centre, it wouldn't proceed to tender, unless it got a commitment in writing from the HSE to fund the running costs.
Now that the commitment has been made, addiction counsellor, Sr Catherine Lillis said she was delighted. "It is great news, we have been waiting four years for this commitment."
Minister Damien English said money had been allocated to build the facility four years ago, but it couldn't go ahead without a commitment for running costs.
"This is very welcome, it can finally go ahead," he said.
Deputy Johnny Guirke said: "It is wonderful news. This facility is very important," he said.
Sr Catherine knows of at least six women who died in the past few months that could have been saved by a secondary treatment centre.
“They were all mothers and they died through overdose, accidents, suicide and of illnesses relating to substance abuse.
“If somebody just comes out of detox with no support, they very often relapse very quickly.”
Misneach will offer three months of treatment which would then be followed up by two years of aftercare, where participants would attend weekly meetings.
A lot of people in addiction may not have learned any life skills and that will be included in the programme.
The facility will have a family room, to ensure that children can visit at least once a week.