"The amalgamation of Turning Point with Eastern Health is an exciting opportunity for Eastern Health to expand its current alcohol and drug services, as well as continuing our commitment to working with our university partners to strengthen our education and research program," said Eastern Health's Chief Executive Alan Lilly.

"For some time, we have been interested in contributing more proactively to the alcohol and drug field and this partnership provides an excellent opportunity to do so – importantly, Turning Point‟s strengths as a leader in the alcohol and drug field will be preserved and enhanced as part of our organisation."

Eastern Health and Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre have worked together on how the two organisations can be integrated, focusing on each organisation's strengths and shared interests.

Ray Judd, Chair of Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre's Board, says the partnership with Eastern Health is a positive move.

"While we received several expressions of interest to our formal request for proposal process, we supported amalgamating with Eastern Health as the best outcome for us," said Mr Judd.

"Not only is Eastern Health committed to our mission and objectives, but its links with the mental health sector, as well as primary and community health services, and its university affiliations will provide us with many opportunities for clinical, educational and research leadership.

About Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre
Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre was established in 1995 to provide leadership to the Victorian alcohol and drug sector and is based in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy. It promotes the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities living with, and affected by, alcohol, other drug-related harms and gambling.

About Eastern Health
Eastern Health (established 2000) is one of Victoria's largest public health services with 60 sites including Angliss Hospital, Box Hill Hospital, Healesville & District Hospital, Maroondah Hospital, Peter James Centre, Wantirna Health, Yarra Ranges Health and Yarra Valley Community Health. Eastern Health actively supports teaching, training and research in the disciplines of medicine, nursing and allied health and is affiliated with a number of universities. It provides acute, sub-acute, mental health and community health services.

Media contact: Christine Elmer, Eastern Health Communications & Community Relations, on ph 9895 3245 or 0448 535 109.