News
Strong Born
The Strong Born campaign raises awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in rural and remote communities. The campaign addresses the harms of drinking alcohol while pregnant and breastfeeding.
How to deal with loneliness and get support
Everyone feels down sometimes, but if it’s constant you may want support. Learn some ways to keep yourself strong and how to reach out for help.
Your Aged Care Update #06, 2023
Your Aged Care Update #06: Residents’ Experience Surveys, register for webinars and training, and more
Keep your spirit strong this holiday season
Most people look forward to the holiday season, but others may find it a challenging time for many different reasons. It is not uncommon for people to feel isolated, sad or anxious, so you’re not alone if you find yourself feeling down this Christmas.
A message from Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan – September 2022 – Scholarship edition
A newsletter from Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan with updates from the nursing and midwifery sector, some personal priorities and highlights, and an insight on what's happening across the Department of Health and Aged Care.
The Connection
The Connection is the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA’s) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service run by and for the Indigenous community.
Keep Your Spirit Strong
During COVID-19 many people face challenges that have impacted their mental health. The ‘Keep Your Spirit Strong’ project aims to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders take important steps to ensure they are prioritising their social and emotional wellbeing.
Top 3 questions – The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing with Dr Ruth Vine
Recently the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing was released. Hear from Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine, on the newly released results, what these mean for Australians and what is being done to improve the mental health system.
Your Aged Care update Issue 13, 2022
Your Aged Care Update #13: Department's new name, AN-ACC fact sheets and updates, and more.
Self-collection now available for cervical screening
From 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program will allow all eligible screeners to collect their own Cervical Screening Test sample.
Your Aged Care update Issue 12, 2022
Your Aged Care Update #12: What we’ve heard on new quality indicators for residential aged care, Food and Nutrition Reporting and more.
Top 3 questions – Sleep and mental health with Doctor Ruth Vine
Hear from Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine about what is considered normal sleep and things you can do to help improve your sleep and mental health.
Your Aged Care update Issue 10, 2022
Your Aged Care Update #10: Auslan video interpreting service, CHSP unspent funds update, suicide prevention for seniors (NSW), Influenza treatment for residential aged care and information for providers on Service's Australia online web services.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine opinion piece on floods and testing our resilience
An opinion piece from Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine on floods and testing the resilience and mental strength of Australians.
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme (PHMSS) encourages and assists entry-level Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health students to complete their studies and join the health workforce.
Top 3 questions – Healthy lifestyle choices
Professor Michael Kidd, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, discusses making healthy choices, and the small steps we can take every day to enjoy a healthy life.
Affected by floods? Help is available
If you've been affected by the floods in New South Wales and Queensland there are a range of services you can access to stay on top of your health needs.
Top 3 questions – Helping kids return to school and sports, strategies to check in with teens, and finding support
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine, answers the top three questions you've been asking on our social accounts around mental health.
Top 3 questions – Staying positive, social anxiety, and support for health workers
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine, answers the top three questions you've been asking on our social accounts around mental health.
Top 3 with Dr Ruth Vine – mental health and COVID
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine, answers the Top Three questions you've been asking on our social accounts around mental health.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine's interview on 2CC Breakfast, 25 January 2022
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine's interview on 2CC Breakfast, 25 January 2022 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine's interview on Sunrise, 25 January 2022
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine's interview on Sunrise, 25 January 2022 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine's interview on ABC News Breakfast, 25 January 2022
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine's interview on ABC News Breakfast, 25 January 2022 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
$14.8 million for innovative mental health clinical trials
Seven clinical trials will share $14.8 million to test the use of combination therapies to treat debilitating mental illnesses. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine's opinion piece on the mental health benefits of vaccination
An opinion piece from Dr Ruth Vine, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine's opinion piece on Making mental health your most important conversation
An opinion piece from Dr Ruth Vine, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, on R U OK? Day.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd’s press conference about COVID-19 – 21 August 2021
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's press conference on 21 August 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine's opinion piece on mental health impacts of COVID-19
An opinion piece from Dr Ruth Vine, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, on the mental health impacts of COVID-19, and the response from the Government.
Budget’s historic $2.3 billion investment in mental health and suicide prevention
The Australian Government is investing $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan – the largest Commonwealth mental health investment in Australia’s history.
Extending MBS mental health support for aged care residents
The Australian Government is expanding eligibility for the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative. Find out more.
New COVID-19 mental health campaign – How’s your head today?
How’s your head today? is a new national COVID-19 mental health campaign that urges people to prioritise their mental health, raise awareness about how to identify when something is wrong, and encourage people to seek help.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio National on 28 October 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Vine's interview on ABC Radio National on 28 October 2020
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio National on 14 October 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Vine's interview on ABC Radio National on 14 October 2020
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio Melbourne on 10 September 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Vine's interview on ABC Radio Melbourne on 10 September 2020 about World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC News on 10 September 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Vine's interview on ABC News on 10 September 2020 about World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on Sunrise on 10 September 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Vine's interview on Sunrise on 10 September 2020 about World Suicide Prevention and R U OK? Day.
A message from Australia’s National Suicide Prevention Adviser on World Suicide Prevention Day
The Prime Minister’s National Suicide Prevention Adviser has a message about the power of staying connected to one another to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and RUOK? Day.
Additional COVID-19 mental health support for people subjected to further restrictions
The Australian Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mental health impact of COVID-19
An opinion piece by the Australian Government’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine.
Deputy Chief Medical Office interview on Radio National Drive on 25 May 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer For Mental Health Dr Ruth Vine's interview on 25 May 2020 on Radio National Drive about mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Additional $20 million for research into mental health and suicide prevention
The Australian Government is providing more than $20 million additional funding through the Medical Research Future Fund for research to improve mental health care and reduce suicide rates in Australia.
$5 million for research into health impacts of bushfires on Australian communities
The Australian Government has announced the successful applicants for the Medical Research Future Fund's 2020 Bushfire Impact Research grants.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio National Breakfast on 19 May 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Doctor Ruth Vine's interview on 19 May 2020 on ABC Radio National about coronavirus (COVID-19) and mental health.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on ABC Radio Melbourne on 19 May 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Doctor Ruth Vine's interview on 19 May 2020 on ABC Radio Melbourne about coronavirus (COVID-19) and mental health.
National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan
Read about Australia’s National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan.
Update on coronavirus measures
The National Cabinet met today to further discuss Australia’s current COVID-19 response, easing restrictions in the coming months, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-Safe environment and getting the economy moving again.
Men’s sheds grants opening in October 2020
The Australian Government has committed to ongoing support of men’s sheds as part of the National Men’s Health Strategy 2020–2030. A new grant round to fund tools, events and equipment will open in October 2020.
Emergency mental health services for people affected by bushfires
More mental health support services will be provided to firefighters, emergency personnel, individuals and communities impacted by the ongoing bushfire disaster.
Information for Australians returning from disaster affected areas
People react in different ways after traumatic experiences.
Returning from a country affected by disaster, where you may have been injured or experienced a traumatic event can cause distressing thoughts and feelings.
There are a number of support services available in every state and territory.
Returning from a country affected by disaster, where you may have been injured or experienced a traumatic event can cause distressing thoughts and feelings.
There are a number of support services available in every state and territory.
Research aimed at identifying effective approaches to suicide prevention
The Australian Government is taking a further step towards reducing the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia, by providing $8 million to support research aimed at identifying effective approaches to suicide prevention.
Medicare access to new services for people with eating disorders
From 1 November 2019, Australians with complex eating disorders will be able to access new services through Medicare that will help save lives.
Pharmacogenomics research for better treatment of people with mental illness
A $7 million research investment in pharmacogenomics will improve the treatment and outcomes of people with mental illness.
Response to media on new MBS items for eating disorders
In response to this morning’s media the Department of Health advises that the new items that will be available from 1 November 2019 involve no changes to those health care professionals who are able to treat eating disorders under the MBS.
ABS Causes of Death 2018 report released
The ABS’ Causes of Death, Australia, 2018 report notes suicide dropped one place to 14th leading cause of death overall. Rates of mortality due to heart disease and cerebrovascular disease also decreased, however these remain among the leading causes of death in Australia.
Breaking Down Walls and Building Bridges: International Congress for Suicide Prevention
A delegation from Australia, including the Prime Minister’s Suicide Prevention Adviser, Ms Christine Morgan, attended a major international suicide prevention conference in Northern Ireland last week.
A message from Australia’s National Suicide Prevention Adviser on World Suicide Prevention Day
The Prime Minister’s National Suicide Prevention Adviser works across government and with relevant Ministers to improve the coordination and delivery of suicide prevention activities.
Long Term National Health Plan to build a mentally and physically healthy Australia
Delivering the world’s best mental health system — stigma-free and focused on prevention, starting with children under 12 — is the major focus of the Australian Government’s Long Term National Health Plan, outlined today.
New grants for research to help prevent suicide
The Australian Government is investing $400,000 in 4 innovative research grants to find new ways to protect people at risk of suicide and interventions to prevent suicide.
Australian Government awards $5 million for eating disorder research
The Australian Government is providing $5 million for ground-breaking research into the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders.
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