Strumica ( 18.02.2005 )
To the common pleasure of the few voluntarily engaged sides, today in Strumica ceremoniously was marked the start of functioning of the “Saint Elisabeth” Daily Centre for Reception, Treatment, and Further Healing of Addiction Illnesses. At the initiative of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, in cooperation with the non-governmental organisation “Izbor (Choice)” from Strumica, with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and Social Work, the “Saint Elisabeth” Centre from today has started its systematic and official activity with personnel consisting of a doctor, two nurses, a psychologist, and a social worker, in premises of the Strumica Diocese of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. 
The efforts to surpass the problems which this centre had initially faced in its nine-month beginnings in 2001, with engagement of the four sides have succeeded in a mutually reached systematic solution that procures stability regarding finances, therapy, and the qualified personnel. The Centre was proclaimed open by the Minister of Health, Prof. Vlado Dimov, MD.
Among the number of high guests, at the ceremonial opening were Metropolitan Nahum of Strumica, the Strumica Mayor Mr. Kiril Janev, representatives of the Ministry of Health, of the Ministry of Labour and Social Work, of the non-governmental organisation “Izbor” from Strumca, heads of several medical centres in the country, other expert workers from the field of health and social activity, and around 150 other guests. In his speech at the ceremonial opening, Minister Dimov announced foundation of at least seven other centres like this in the Republic in the following period. The “Saint Elisabeth” Daily Centre for Reception, Treatment, and Further Healing of Addiction Illnesses for now is the only example of joint engagement of the Church, the non-governmental sector, and governmental institutions in a project of wider social interest.
