Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick has used a visit to Mount Isa to unveil a new plan to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people in rural and remote communities.
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Mr Dick said mental health issues required a whole of government response across health, education, employment, housing and family support services.
“This action plan outlines how all areas of government will work together to support Queenslanders living in rural and remote communities cope with adversity,” Mr Dick said.
The Queensland Mental Health Commission has developed the Rural and Remote Mental Health Action Plan 2016-18 to set priorities and 28 actions to improve the mental health and wellbeing of rural and remote people.
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck said the action plan was based on community input.
“In rural and remote Queensland, there is evidence of greater vulnerability to poor mental health and wellbeing, problematic alcohol and drug use, and suicide, and distance poses challenges for service delivering,” she said.
Over $600,000 has been allocated in grants to run 16 new projects across Queensland, including several in the north west. Uniting Community Care gets $50,000 for its Mount Isa office and the Royal Flying Doctor Service gets $48,925 for its North West and Cairns operations.
State member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter welcomed the funding as a key recommendation of the Rural Debt and Drought Taskforce report.
“Rates of suicide in regional Queensland are too high and we welcome a stronger focus on mental health programs,” Mr Katter said.
Mr Dick said access to services in rural and remote Queensland would be improved by new technologies.
The Action Plan rolls out the tele-triage service (1300 MH CALL), linking individuals with mental illness, their carers, family and mental health services provided by Hospital and Health Services, seven days a week.
The Plan also includes funding for mobile early childhood support services.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
