‘We need to be proactive and responsive’
INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS and impressive collaboration have characterised our sector’s response to the crisis (page 8).
But what we also need to keep up with are the changes in the drugs market and regional trends that could tip the drug-related deaths crisis into further catastrophe. One of the trends identified by Release’s new drug monitoring network is increased use of benzodiazepines, so our cover story looks at how we can respond to this by developing urgent new pathways and treatment protocols. It’s essential that we remain proactive and responsive at the same time as making so many other adjustments to routine.
Commissioners have been thinking along the same lines and there’s an invitation to join a new national forum on page 11. As we’re all particularly concerned about diminishing resources and the threat of services being decommissioned, it’s the right time to create a space for clear strategy and a representative commissioner voice.
Collective Voice are working hard for the treatment sector and invite your involvement in rising to important challenges (p14). When we emerge from this crisis let’s not forget the many gains we’ve discovered from working more closely together.
Keep in touch claire@cjwellings.com and @DDNmagazine
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