MORE than 700 pharmacists and pharmacy staff across NSW have registered to take part in mental health training under a State Government-funded drought relief extension package.
Speaking in the NSW Legislative Council earlier this week, Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women, Bronnie Taylor, praised the Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch's efforts in promoting the program designed to make regional pharmacies "safe spaces" for patients.
"People trust their pharmacists and this training equips more allied health professionals in our regions with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health needs," she said.
"In 2021 the mental health community pharmacy training program will deliver at least 100 training workshops to over 5,000 pharmacists and staff across eight drought affected rural or regional local health districts in NSW.
The Guild has engaged experts, who have developed the courses tailored specifically for pharmacists.
"The courses on offer include blended mental health first aid and workshops that focus on depression, anxiety, traumainformed care and suicide prevention.
"In addition to the planned workshops, 74 blended mental health first aid courses are scheduled from Oct 2020 to Jun 2021.
"Over 700 pharmacists and staff are already registered for courses, with more courses still being added to the program.
"Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 most training is being delivered via selfpaced online learning or a live virtual classroom.
"The silver lining is that this benefits many regional and rural pharmacy staff who will not need to travel away from their communities to attend training.
Facetoface workshops are also being planned for Newcastle, Orange and Dubbo.
"Pharmacists play a crucial role in rural and regional New South Wales. It is an extremely wellrespected profession.
"As a nurse, I would often consult with a pharmacist.
"GPs and doctors will say that a pharmacist's knowledge of medication often far surpasses their own."
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