What is the Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Communities program?
The Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Communities Initiative was part of a broader Australian Government response to drought which recognises the impact of severe drought on rural and regional communities, the environment and the broader Australian economy.
Responsibility for the Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Communities program rests with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Why is this important?
This Initiative was important for the continued provision of community based mental health services to improve the capacity of rural and remote communities to respond to the psychological impact of extreme climatic events, such as drought.
Who will benefit?
The Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Communities program has helped families, health professionals and community leaders across a range of drought affected communities.
What will the Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Communities program deliver?
The initiative provided community outreach and crisis counselling for distressed individuals, families and communities in drought affected rural areas, and education and training for health workers and community leaders to respond to the early warnings of emotional distress. increases the capacity of communities to respond to drought-related psychological trauma.
How will it work?
The majority of funding under Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Community Initiative was allocated to over 40 eligible rural and remote Divisions of General Practice to provide community outreach and crisis counselling. Community awareness activities and education and training for health workers and community leaders was also provided in eligible Divisions.
What funding is attached to this program?
$20.8 million over four years 2007-08 to 2010-11.
When did the Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Communities program start?
1 July 2007.
The Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Communities Initiative finished on 30 June 2011.
Page currency, Latest update: 17 August, 2011