Healthcare workers and first responders reportedly have double the rate of diagnosed mental health conditions compared to the general population (39% compared to 20%) and their vulnerability to mental health injuries is clear and worrying.
In a bid to prevent these numbers from increasing, Sana Health Group is launching a new Wellness Grants scheme to support those who work hard every day to support us.
The research emphasises the need for continued support for healthcare workers to alleviate the mental health and wellbeing strains of repeated exposure to trauma, as well as the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current staff shortage crisis.
Sana Health Group have partnered with Healthcare Heartbeat Australia to support the mental well-being of healthcare workers.
The Grants provide free access to a range of professionally-led services, coaching and practical programs to teach recipients coping strategies and proactive mental health care specific to their health industry to remain calm in the midst of a hectic shift. Recipients will also be offered workplace development to identify areas for improvement for themselves and their team, and even the delivery of home-cooked meals.
Chief Executive Officer of the Sana Health Group, Georgie Blundell, emphasised the need for programs such as the Sana Wellness Grant to better support frontline healthcare workers.
“Healthcare workers and first responders play an integral role in our community, but more needs to be done to support those working in these professions – especially due to their increased risk of mental health issues,” she said.
The Grants are now open to those living in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia who work across nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, aged care, mental health and emergency services.
To learn more about the Sana Wellness Grants and apply, head to the Healthcare Heartbeat website here.
