Rural mental health cash boost

A pharmaceutical company has reached its goal of raising $100,000 for mental health support, for the seventh year running.

Zoetis, the world’s largest producer of medicine and vaccinations for pets and livestock, has set a $100,000 fundraising goal for Beyond Blue every year since 2016, and has once again reached that goal.

The company donates $5 from each sale of livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches to Beyond Blue, up to the value of $100,000, to support the mental health of those living in rural and regional Australia.

Zoetis Senior Vice President and Cluster Lead Australia and New Zealand, Lance Williams, said it was “a great honour to once again achieve our fundraising goal with Beyond Blue”.

“At Zoetis, we recognise the importance of improving mental health, reducing the stigma around mental health and tackling the tragedy of suicide, which disproportionately affects people in regional and rural areas,” Mr Williams said.

“People living in rural areas face a number of challenges which can take a toll on their wellbeing, including disasters, economic change, isolation, limited access to services and most recently, the pandemic.

“Together we have made strong progress in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those who live in rural Australia, and we are passionate about continuing to help.”

Remoteness is a major risk factor contributing to suicide, with the suicide rates being 60 per cent higher in regional and rural areas than in major cities according to the National Rural Health Alliance.

In addition, people in outer regional, remote, or very remote areas of Australia face more barriers to accessing health care than people living in major cities, making it harder for them to maintain good mental health.

Beyond Blue Chief Community Officer Patrice O’Brien says demand for Beyond Blue’s support services increased 20 per cent during the pandemic, and remains higher than pre-pandemic times.

“We know that people are doing it tough right now and ongoing impacts of the pandemic, cost of living pressure and extreme weather events will continue to affect people’s mental health,” she said.

”There are some indicators to look for if you think a family member, friend or colleague might need help.”

Ms O’Brien thanked Zoetis for their efforts in supporting this important cause.

The Beyond Blue Support Service offers free and immediate counselling, advice and referrals via phone, webchat, or email.

For more information about depression and anxiety, visit www.beyondblue.org.au. To talk to a mental health professional for free, contact the 24/7 Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 46 36.

Free web chat is also available 24/7 at beyondblue.org.au/getsupport, and you can join the forums for free and download the BeyondNow app from the website.