The Clinix Health Group is amplifying its awareness campaign on substance use disorders and addiction by holding various community outreach activations across Gauteng.
On Thursday, 04 July – Clinix teamed up with one of its campaign ambassadors: TS Galaxy striker, Bernard Parker and paid the community of Mamelodi, east of Pretoria a visit. The health group hosted an activation at Mams Mall, where Parker engaged with community members – many of whom expressed their concerns about the growing number of young people who are using drugs and are involved in criminal activities.
According to reports by doctors, clinical associates and social workers from the University of Pretoria (UP), over the past few years there has been a steady increase in harmful drug use in the City of Tshwane. These reports further state that there is a major shortage of services in the city to help people who use drugs and struggle with addiction*.
In 2021, the Clinix Health Group opened the Cullinan Wellness Hospital, a voluntary psychiatric facility that offers various psychosocial and health services, including counselling, social work, psychology and occupational therapy. Though the wellness hospital is based in Cullinan, east of Pretoria, it also accommodates patients who come as far as Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the North West. Known both on and off the field for his stellar work ethic, discipline and humility, Bernard Parker has lauded the Clinix awareness campaign as one of the initiatives that align with his values and principles.
“When Clinix asked me to be part of this initiative, I signed up immediately, as I saw it as a perfect opportunity to inspire young people – no matter their background and circumstances – to invest in themselves whether mentally or emotionally. This speaks directly to my very own upbringing when my mother invested in my future by taking me to the School of Excellence and I can attest until this day, that the values and principles that were instilled in me (at the school of excellence) are still beneficial in my adulthood.
“I truly appreciate this campaign for driving a message that seeks to showcase how youth involvement in sport has both positive and negative associations to substance use and addiction. With so many social pressures and personal responsibilities that come with one’s success as a footballer with access to a lot of money as well as sudden fame, it can be so easy for one to lose focus and get derailed. This can also have adverse effects to your mental health,” said Parker.
Parker explained that most footballers often find themselves attracting a lot of responsibilities back at home and end up becoming the main breadwinners. “This can take a toll on one’s financial and mental health, which sometimes leads to substance use as a coping mechanism.
“We also encounter a lot of cyberbullying from football fans which affects us negatively, especially on the field of play. You can have the most solid and positive mindset, but in the end, you are still human, and you will get affected by the insults and negative commentary,” added Parker.
This three-month campaign will run until the end of August 2024 with continuous community engagements led by Clinix’s ambassadors: Parker alongside two other ambassadors: Banyana Banyana legend, Portia Modise and Long Jump Olympic Silver Medallist, Luvo Manyonga. One of the key objectives of the campaign is to combat stigma against people who use drugs by promoting and using language that is non-judgemental and does not label them in a shameful way.
Clinix Chief Corporate Services Officer, Matshepo Majola said: “As the Clinix Health Group, we are very mindful of the harm that is also caused by the commonly used words and phrases toward people who are struggling with substance use disorders and addiction. We should always remember that addiction is a condition that alters one’s mind; therefore, it is imperative that we use language that frames it as exactly what it is – a health matter. We also need to use language and words that are empathetic and those that show respect to people with addiction and their families who are equally impacted.
“Importantly, we would like to encourage those who need assistance to contact or even visit our hospitals – our professional medical teams are ready to assist in any way they can. Also, everyone can visit our social media pages for regular updates with information that will educate and help us unlearn some of the harmful phrases and words that we commonly use,” added Majola.
