Queensland Health has teamed up with the Royal Flying doctors Service to urgently fly-in mental health staff to flood affected areas in the North and Western Queensland.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said it would ensure Queenslanders affected by the North, Far North and Western Queensland flood events were supported, especially farmers.
"This is a distressing time for Queenslanders, who have suffered through years of drought and have now lost livestock due to floods," he said.
"Mental health staff have been deployed for frontline support to those in North Queensland.
"A total of 14 mental health staff have been deployed to Townsville, with some working in recovery centres and community outreach teams, and more planning to travel shortly."
Mr Miles said the 13HEALTH contact centre was equipped to take phone calls from those in need of mental health support following these events. An outbound call service into these areas is being planned.
"The RFDS have also set up a Tele contact number to support frontline staff in contact with those farmers who have experienced loss," he said.
"They have flown in experienced mental health staff to Winton, Richmond and Julia Creek.
"And the Western Queensland Primary Health Network is expanding NQConnect so that people can call for assistance."
Mr Miles said the floods had been devastating for North and Western Queenslanders.
"I want everyone affected to know that looking after yourself, your family and your friends is essential," he said.
You can seek help from Lifeline (13 11 14) or by calling the Mental Health access line on 1300 MH CALL (1300 642255) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Mental health information is also available online for adults and young adults. For mental health information for babies and young children visit Birdie's Tree.
