The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement made by the Federal Government that will see an extra $48.1 million put towards the COVID-19 mental health plan.
Announced by the Federal Minister Greg Hunt, $7.3 million will be used for research and real-time data, $29.5 million for outreach to vulnerable communities and $11.3 million for communication and other outreach programs.
PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said this announcement would not only benefit health professionals, including pharmacists that have been on the frontline during COVID-19, but all Australians.
"This has been a tough time for many Australians, including pharmacists who have continued to provide an essential service to the community throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
"Pharmacists working during COVID-19, have not only had to care for patients but also had to look after the safety and wellbeing of their colleagues, family and friends, as well as themselves.
"I would ask any pharmacist's struggling at the moment to reach out for help.
"PSA is delivering Mental Health First Aid training to Australian Pharmacists and Pharmacy staff to support them – as they support the community.
"Pharmacists are often the first health professional people will see in a disaster, PSA is committed to equipping pharmacists and pharmacy staff to be able to identify patients who might be in need of professional mental health services and referring them to the care they need."
There are a range of support services available including on our PSA microsite, the pharmacist Support Service or Beyond Blue."
Support services are available on the dedicated PSA COVID-19 microsite: https://www.psa.org.au/coronavirus/
Pharmacists' Support Service is available on 1300 244 910 and Beyond Blue 1800 512 348.
