| City celebrates treatment milestones for nearly 300 Matrix®clients | <p></p><span><p style="text-align:justify;">The City's substance abuse programme, which follows the evidence-based Matrix® model, provides treatment opportunities to anyone over 18. </p><p> </p><p>There are eight sites across the metropole that offer a 16-week evidence-based rehabilitation programme, based on the Matrix® Model of Intensive Outpatient treatment. </p><p> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Between July 2022 to 30 June 2023, 2 384 clients participated in the programme, with an average 85% clean drug test rate.<br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Matrix%2022923.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:802px;" /> </figure></span><span><p style="text-align:justify;">The graduation or certification ceremonies are celebrations of acknowledgment and hope for clients and their families. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">At today's event, certificates were handed over to:</p><ul><li>146 clients for completing one month in the programme</li><li>60 clients for completing the full four month programme</li><li>34 clients for their continuous involvement in the programme (many have completed in previous years, but remain supportive of new clients entering the programme)</li><li>57 clients who completed an individualised programme </li><li>one family member for attending the programme in support of their relative </li></ul><p>'Our substance abuse treatment programme is extremely important for those struggling with addiction as it impacts negatively not only on the wellbeing of the individual but also on families and communities. Care beyond completion of the programme is critical, and our staff and former clients play an excellent supportive role. Together with friends and family, graduates are encouraged to return to a healthier lifestyle. Beating addiction and staying alcohol and drug free is also a motivation to so many other members of the community. I would like to congratulate those who completed the programme and hope they will spread the message that substance abuse treatment and support is available,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross. <br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Matrix%20handing%20out%20certificates%202%2022923.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1425px;" /> </figure></span><p>City Health opened its first Matrix® site in Tafelsig in 2008, followed by Albow Gardens, Delft South, Town 2, Khayelitsha, Parkwood, Ruimte Road in Manenberg and Scottsdene in Eerste River.</p><p>Launched in September 2013, the Parkwood Matrix® site assisted 317 clients in the previous financial year, with an 88% clean drug test rate.</p><p>The site has had many firsts, such as clients presenting for the first time were not only screened for TB, but also tested for HIV and other lifestyle diseases such cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. The site was also the first to offer services to people living on the streets and clients referred from shelters. </p><p>A very successful working agreement with U-turn, who prepare clients for treatment, subsidise clients with transport and shelter fees while accessing the Matrix® programme has led to a high number of clients completing the programme. </p><p>Currently, Parkwood has the highest number of clients completing one month in the programme and completing the full 16-week programme<br></p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2023-09-21T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#e461c33b-5a6b-427b-aab7-ae593fa11e6d;L0|#0e461c33b-5a6b-427b-aab7-ae593fa11e6d|awards;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#b53bcfcc-b652-4e8d-ac39-7855d85cf97b;L0|#0b53bcfcc-b652-4e8d-ac39-7855d85cf97b|kensington | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
