Mental Health (RFDS)
In 1995, a feasibility study was conducted under the National Mental Health Strategy, which confirmed that mental health issues were prevalent in rural and remote communities, that there was poor access to specialist mental health services and that the RFDS had a valid role to play in the provision of mental health service.
The study reccommended that an RFDS mental health program should include direct service provision, prevention and community development activities, staff training and practitioner support. The program should also develop and expand by seeking appropriate funding opportunites.
The RFDS currently runs a range of mental health programs from a number of its bases, example, in Queensland, utilising State and Commonwealth funding. Mental health service activities are based on community needs and include clinical service provision and community development initiatives.
In addition, a number of mental health projects have been conducted focussing on the development of educational resources for RFDS staff, rural and remote health practitioners and the general public. Practitioner support is also available for RFDS staff.
The RFDS mental health program is continually evolving to better meet the needs of people who live in the bush.