What are we doing?
PSA will deliver mental health first aid training to community pharmacists and pharmacy staff working in South Australia.
Why are we doing it?
To improve early identification of mental health issues and appropriate initial support to people experiencing mental ill-health, the South Australian Government (SA Government) through the Office of the Chief Pharmacist is funding MHFA training to upskill community pharmacists and pharmacy staff working in South Australia to improve early identification of mental ill-health and increase mental health support for the community. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has been commissioned by the South Australian Government to deliver MHFA training to at least 1000 community pharmacists and pharmacy staff working across metropolitan and regional South Australia over the next three years.
Value to PSA members
Pharmacists are the most accessible health professionals. Community pharmacy is often the first access point to health care for consumers. By upskilling pharmacists and pharmacy staff to identify early warning signs of mental ill health, they will be able to provide support and referrals to mental health services where necessary, providing an additional layer of support for patients in need.
Project impact
Coming soon.
Positive feedback received from participants
“I have found that doing the Mental Health First Aid training has made me more confident to ask patients about acute mental health symptoms, including asking for the first time “Have you had thoughts about hurting yourself?”
It has also made me a more compassionate boss and given me scope as a leader to allow staff to take a “sick day” for the sake of mental health, resulting in overall improvements in staff satisfaction and atmosphere in the pharmacy.”
“I loved the whole course, I felt engaged and learnt so much. I said to my boss, I usually feel tired at these trainings and not this one, was great!”