An amount of $14.7 million donation is poured on Australia's biggest suicide prevention trial in 2016. This is an attempt to curb high cases of suicide in the region.
There are 65,000 suicide attempts in Australia each year, and more than 2,500 Australians are successful in their attempts. This is the most common cause of death among Australians aged 15-44. According to the Royal Children's Hospital poll, suicide is the 10th health concern among Australian parents.
"We have the knowledge to save thousands of lives and lead the world in suicide-prevention activities," the Black Dog Institute director Professor Helen Christensen said. Black Dog Institute is the group that will take on the challenge of beginning a trial on new suicide prevention approach. This approach is slated to span over six years in four New South Wales sites. The exact territories are yet to be determined. The money is donated by the Paul Ramsay Foundation. Paul Ramsay was an Australian businessman who died of heart attack in 2014. He is best known for establishment of private hospitals. This amount is the first major grant that the foundation donated.
"This extraordinary donation lets researchers kick-start an approach that the international evidence suggests has every chance of being highly effective," NSW Mental Health Commissioner John Feneley said.
The national Australian government as well as the NSW Mental Health Commissions have eagerly recommended endeavors of establishing a fact-based and community-centered approach to suicide prevention.
There are nine key strategies in this "systems approach." The implementation of these strategies are focused on suicide risk through medical and social interventions. In this approach, the services are tailored to the needs of the locals and are coordinated within the community. The primary healthcare providers, education systems, emergency services and community groups are expected to participate in this.
* Australian readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
