Authors: Stephanie Kershaw
Year: 2018
Event: 2018 TheMHS Conference
Subject:
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
Abstract: Introduction Crystal methamphetamine (ice) is associated with significant societal harm, and methamphetamines were rated by 40% of Australians as the drug of most concern in the 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey. Cracks in the Ice is a public health initiative that launched in April 2017 in response to recommendations of the Australian Government’s National Ice Taskforce and provides the first national online portal for evidence-based information about ice relevant to the Australian community. Method Cracks in the Ice was developed with input from >450 Australian community members, in collaboration with experts and researchers. A Cracks in the Ice smartphone application (app) has been developed to extend the reach of the portal’s information, after a systematic review identified a lack of high-quality apps about ice. Key findings The portal has had >51,000 users, and >60,000 hard-copy information resources have been distributed to mental health, AOD services and community groups. Web traffic is predominantly from major cities, however there is also interest from regional areas. Latest usage data for the app will also be presented. Implications Digital approaches stand to overcome structural, geographical, and attitudinal barriers to AOD prevention. This presentation will interest policy makers, service providers and the general community.
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