Learning about Indigenous Mental Health Promotion

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are over-represented in inpatient mental health care nation wide. A range of program and policy initiatives has been undertaken to address this situation at Commonwealth, State and Territory levels. The National Consultancy Report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health - Ways Forward (1995) asserted that service delivery should focus on holistic, primary mental health care programs, and the development of specialist services with a focus on crisis support, early intervention and comprehensive clinical services. The National Strategic Framework for indigenous Social and Emotional Well being aims to bridge the continued gap between the high level of need, and inadequate service delivery. It aims to increase partnerships and motivate governments to provide more resources to address the issue (Roxbee and Wallace, 2003). The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends training of general health personnel in mental health care, and public education and awareness campaigns to enhance understanding and reduce stigma (WHO, 2001). These same priorities are reflected in Australia’s National Mental Health plan 2003 – 2008, and in the National Strategic Framework for Indigenous Social and Emotional Well being (Roxbee and Wallace, 2003)