Media Release: New preventative health program for people with mental illness

Media Release: New preventative health program for people with mental illness

06 July, 2020

6 July 2020 

Media Release: New preventative health program for people with mental illness 

A new Preventative Health program, funded by Eastern Melbourne PHN (EMPHN) and delivered by Neami National commences in August 2020 for consumers with a moderate to severe mental illness who live, work or study in the north-eastern and eastern suburbs of Melbourne. 

EMPHN CEO, Janine Wilson, said the new program will provide better access and much needed preventative health services, including breast, cervical and bowel cancer screening, influenza immunisation and smoking cessation, for people in the community with mental illness, particularly those experiencing moderate to severe mental illness. 

“People with moderate to severe mental illness have been shown to die up to 20 years earlier than the general population and a high proportion of these deaths are associated with preventable physical health conditions.” 

“This program will identify barriers to preventative health services for people with mental illness and enhance the integration between primary health care, mental health services and the broader system.” 

The program will be delivered by a mobile team located across multiple sites within the EMPHN region, including Neami Thomastown and Neami Glen Waverley to further reach those with mental illness. 

Neami National CEO, Tom Dalton said that the program will support earlier identification and preventative health intervention through better access, coordination, integration and capacity building of different health and community service providers. 

“Working closely with GPs and other primary health providers, community, and hospital-based mental health services in the local area to focus our efforts on preventative health services for people with mental illness will save lives.” 

The program was co-designed with consumers and stakeholders from primary, community health and acute care, mental health services, peak bodies and local council. 

ENDS 

Media enquiries:   Claire James   claire.james@emphn.org.au   0425 887 397 

About EMPHN: Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network is primarily funded by the Australian Government to improve the care and support people receive from health services. We aim to improve the health of our community by ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. www.emphn.org.au