The federal government funding will support medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health students manage their mental health.
The federal government has announced a $7.37 million cash injection to expand the parameters of the Mental Health First Aid Training Program, with nursing, midwifery and allied health students now eligible to undergo training.
The program, designed to help students identify signs of poor mental health, distress and burnout in their peers as well as manage their own mental health, has been accessed by more than 8,000 medical students to date with feedback largely positive, the announcement confirmed.
Between 2024 and 2027, more than 115,000 medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health students are expected to access the mental health first aid training program, with more than 24,000 students due to complete the training this year alone.
Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand (MDANZ) has been appointed to oversee the program, with training to be provided by Mental Health First Aid Australia (MHFAA).
Partnerships between the Australian Council of Deans of Health Sciences, the Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery Australia, MDANZ and MHFAA have also been established to facilitate the extension of the program across nursing and allied disciplines, according to the announcement.
“The Mental Health First Aid Training Program helps those who help us – equipping health students with the skills and confidence to identify and respond to the mental health needs of their patients and peers,” said assistant mental health minister Emma McBride.
“Broadening the program across all health students will make a huge difference for them and their patients.”
