New funds for mental studies
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The federal government has put up $14 million for new mental health research.
The funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is being channelled through the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission, to support eight new projects.
“Investment now means we’re safeguarding the mental health of generations to come,” says Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride.
The projects are geared towards addressing the mental health impact of extreme weather events, pandemics, and socio-economic inequities.
Among the recipients, the University of New England was awarded $5 million to develop a community-based mental health program for rural Australians affected by fire, drought, and other extreme weather.
The program seeks to provide proactive support to mitigate psychological effects before they escalate.
Other funded initiatives include a project at the University of Western Australia, which will explore how Aboriginal cultural practices can enhance mental health resilience in the face of climate change.
Similarly, the University of Queensland aims to bolster mental health services against climate-related stressors through data-driven adaptation strategies.
The initiative also addresses mental health gaps in underserved communities.
Monash University received funding to improve telehealth services in rural and remote areas, while Deakin University’s research will focus on supporting the mental health of frontline healthcare workers and their families following the strains of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assistant Minister McBride says these are urgent projects.
“We know that mental health is as important as physical health, so we need to invest just as aggressively in research to support wellbeing and resilience,” she said.
The government’s MRFF investment reflects a long-term commitment to advancing healthcare research, aiming to ensure Australia remains a global leader in addressing pressing health challenges.