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Administration to launch ‘Tarang Helpline' for drug-affected individuals on Aug 15

Administration to launch ‘Tarang Helpline' for drug-affected individuals on Aug 15

Time of India4 days ago
Ludhiana: In a bid to address the growing challenge of drug addiction, the Ludhiana district administration is set to launch the "Tarang Helpline" on August 15. The initiative, spearheaded by deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain, aims at providing comprehensive support to individuals and families affected by substance abuse, offering psychological counselling, treatment guidance, and livelihood assistance.
During a visit to Red Cross Bhawan on Friday, DC Jain reviewed the operational set-up of the helpline and held discussions with representatives of Dream Ahead, the agency responsible for managing the initiative. He said that the helpline would act as a lifeline for those struggling with addiction, ensuring that they receive timely and effective support.
The Tarang Helpline will function as a single-window support system, catering not only to individuals seeking help but also to their families and informants reporting drug-related concerns.
Callers will be guided to the nearest Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics, de-addiction centres, or rehabilitation centres, depending on their specific needs. To ensure continuity of care, follow-up calls will be made after seven days, and daily reports will be submitted to a nodal officer from the health department for coordinated action.
The initiative also includes one-on-one and group counselling sessions, with dedicated group sessions scheduled every Saturday at Red Cross Bhawan.
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These sessions will be supervised by health department officials and supported by PCR and security teams to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
To promote long-term rehabilitation, the helpline will collaborate with the District Bureau of Employment and Enterprises (DBEE) and the Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM). This partnership will help provide skill training, job placements, and self-employment opportunities tailored to the interests and capabilities of recovering individuals.
Dedicated officers from both the health and police departments will ensure swift action on medical and drug-related complaints. Dream Ahead will submit daily updates to nodal officers and weekly feedback to the Deputy Commissioner's office. The administration has assured that strict confidentiality will be maintained to encourage open and honest communication.
DC Jain reiterated the administration's commitment to making Ludhiana drug-free, calling the Tarang Helpline a crucial step in helping individuals reclaim their lives with dignity and purpose.
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