https://health.gov.ie/blog/press-release/slaintecare-top-priority-in-health-budget-2019-investment-improved-access-to-gp-services-more-help-for-families-older-people-with-health-costs-health-ministers/ ''Minister Catherine Byrne said: ‘Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Within the increased envelope of resources available, my intention is to prioritise funding for community drug and alcohol projects in task force areas of greatest need, additional drug and alcohol midwives working with vulnerable mothers-to-be and enhanced treatment services to address existing and emerging needs'.'' Click on the Link to read the full press release.

http://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/newsireland/uk-and-irish-teenagers-among-worst-in-europe-for-problem-drinking/ar-AAAEwbT?li=BBr5HCU&ocid=UE07DHP Click on the link above to read the article.

http://www.donegaldaily.com/2018/08/22/letterkenny-gets-set-for-the-big-party-in-the-park/ Please find attached article in the Donegal Daily news advertising the biggest Party in the Park in Letterkenny which is a strictly no alcohol or drugs event which is proudly supported by the North West Regional Drug Task Force Small Grants Scheme. If you would like to find out more about the Party in the Park please contact Donegal Youth Service on (074) 91 29630. Have Fun everyone!

Areas with the most outlets had 19% higher admission rates for severe alcohol-related illnesses. Click on the link below for more information: Areas with the most outlets had 19% higher admission rates for severe alcohol-related illnesses

The aim of this day is to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths whilst allowing us to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends. This important day is about remembering those who have lost loved ones or suffered permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. It aims to spread the message that the tragedy of overdose death and injury is preventable. Click on this link to download campaign posters. https://www.overdoseday.com/

http://www.drugs.ie/cocaine In response to an upward trend in cocaine use and cocaine-associated deaths in Ireland, the HSE and the Ana Liffey Drug Project (ALDP) have developed a new campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of using cocaine (powder and crack) and how to reduce the harms associated with snorting, smoking or injecting. The campaign was launched on Tuesday 17th July, by Minister Catherine Byrne. Cocaine is more available and at its highest purity in Europe today than it has been in a decade. It is the most commonly used illicit stimulant drug in Europe, and Ireland ranks fourth highest

http://www.askaboutalcohol.ie/parents/ With Leaving Certificate results coming out this Wednesday (15th August) and the inevitable celebrations that follow, the HSE’s askaboutalcohol.ie has launched a helpful guide for parents filled with information and practical advice on how to talk to teenagers about alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide is available to download from www.askaboutalcohol.ie/parents. Click on the link above.

http://alcoholireland.ie/alcohol-action-ireland-release-annual-alcohol-market-review-price-survey-2018/ Click on the link above to read the article.

https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/5/e020673 This study is the first to comprehensively assess the effects of short-term abstinence from alcohol in a population of ‘healthy’ individuals, who are representative of the 25% of the wider population who drink alcohol above national guidelines. The key findings of this study are improvements in insulin resistance, BP, body weight and a decrease in circulating concentrations of cancer-related growth factors following a month of abstinence from alcohol.

http://www.drugs.ie/cocaine In light of an upward trend in cocaine use and cocaine-associated deaths in Ireland, a new campaign has been developed by the Ana Liffey Drug Project (ALDP) and the HSE to raise awareness about the dangers of using cocaine (powder and crack), and how to reduce the harms associated with snorting, smoking or injecting cocaine. The campaign was launched today, Tuesday 17th July, by Minister Catherine Byrne. Click on the link attached to read more about it.