The Cause

On average, Australians living in rural communities die from suicide at twice the rate of those living in cities, yet those in rural communities are only able to access mental health services at a fifth of the rate of city people.

Farmers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are those most at risk of suicide. Research shows there is no difference in common mental health risk factors of family history, stressful events, substance use, and health problems between city and bush, country residents risk exacerbated mental illness because of insufficient early intervention and prevention services.

Through funding provided by donors such as yourself, the RFDS works to bridge the gap in access to mental health services. RFDS provides a range of mental health services range from visiting mental health clinics, 24 hour telehealth services, through to emergency air transfers of people requiring city based acute care. Dedicated RFDS mental health professionals visit remote towns and properties to provide further treatment, support, as well as education about mental health issues for individuals and communities.