Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA023
Thursday, 16 April 2009
RAISING VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
A book of stories from veterans and their families about their personal mental health journey will
assist health professionals and the veteran community better understand the impact of mental
health, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said today.
Beyond the Call will raise awareness about mental illness and the important role that families,
partners, carers and health professionals play in supporting veterans with mental health issues.
“Poor mental health can have a devastating effect on individuals, as well as those who live with
and care for them,” Mr Griffin said.
“We have considerable understanding about the adverse effects of mental health disorders but
it remains a difficult issue, subject to powerful stigma. This Government is committed to
increasing awareness, understanding and support for those directly and indirectly affected, and
Beyond the Call is one part of that commitment.”
Beyond the Call was developed in partnership with the Australian General Practice Network
(AGPN), and endorsed by ex-service organisations. It will be distributed to GPs, mental health
care professionals, community pharmacists and ex-service organisations.
“GPs and pharmacists play an important role in providing front line help and in guiding veterans
and their family members towards appropriate and effective support,” Mr Griffin said. “Beyond
the Call will help them gain a greater understanding of the adverse effects of mental health
disorders.”
“My Department has recently funded development of an easy to use algorithm for health
practitioners, outlining the treatment of adults with Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and
Posttraumatic Stress (PTSD). The Victorian Divisions of General Practice distributed copies of
the algorithm to GPs following the Victorian bushfires,” Mr Griffin said.
The website at-ease.dva.gov.au also gives veterans and family members a one-stop-shop for
mental health advice and services. For a copy of Beyond the Call please email
at-ease@dva.gov.au or call 1800 026 185.
Editors note: Copies of Beyond the Call are available for listener/reader incentives or for media
to review. Please email at-ease@dva.gov.au to request.
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
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