Pharmacy Daily | PSA to deliver program

MENTAL health first aid training will be rolled out to at least 1,000 community pharmacists across South Australia.

Following a competitive procurement process by SA Health and the Office of the Chief Pharmacist, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has been selected to deliver the specialised mental health training program.

The South Australian Government will invest $350,000 over four years for the training as part of a $2.65 million package of election commitments focused on improving and expanding pharmacy, a statement said.

The training includes understanding the signs and symptoms of mental ill health, as well as learning practical skills to support people experiencing a mental health problem.

Pharmacists and pharmacy staff will also be educated on the types of help and support available and how to help people access the support they need, including referring to other services.

The training will include the provision of information about developing mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and psychosis, as well as substance abuse.

SA Chief Pharmacist Naomi Burgess said, "as the selected training provider, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia will deliver training through its pharmacists who are accredited trainers in mental health first aid".

"The trainers will have shared experiences and understanding of the work environment which will be beneficial in how the face-to-face and online specialised program will be conducted."