The shocking truth on mental health research funding

In a telling interview, the Chief Executive of the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA), a peak body which represents over 40 national health organisations has revealed less than three per cent of the research dollar goes the way of rural and remote health in spite of harbouring nearly 30 per cent of the population.

National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen said mental ill health in women is ‘an enormous issue in rural and remote Australia’ and called for action to improve rural healthcare accessibility.

Ms Tegen was a guest on the first episode of Brainstorm, the new mental health podcast which has just been released.

‘Some women above the age of 60, in particular if they are single, live in poverty; about 34 per cent of women live in poverty,’ said Ms Tegen.

She also said ‘only 2.3 per cent of the research dollar goes to rural and remote even though we have 30 per cent of the population.

‘This population has some major access issues, partly because of workforce shortages and partly because of the tyranny of distance. But they have been so resilient and active in ensuring that the Australian economy is doing well. So, people think they don’t need that support.’

Speaking about the work of the Alliance, Ms Tegen said, ‘We are here to pull like-minded entities together to ensure that access, support and policy is developed at a national level to work on key initiatives, so that the communities are serviced.’

The Alliance provides a united voice for people and health professionals living and working in rural communities and advocates for sustainable and affordable health services. 

To hear the full interview go to; https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Zlbm40fUHBbdG0EZUq8Oz