Dr Francis Agnew, PMA Board member and a pioneer in the development of Pacific mental health services in New Zealand and the wider Pacific region with PMA Patron, Dr Joe Williams
October is the month for mental health awareness and Pasifika Medical Association is getting behind this year’s theme of how connecting with nature benefits health and wellbeing.
The Association is encouraging all its members to get involved and having the whole community participate in mental health awareness events and activities.
The Association is also advocating to breaking down the stigma around mental illness, which is the key to building community resilience.
Debbie Sorensen, PMA Chief Executive is encouraging Pacific communities and families this week to make use of mental health services, promoting mental health wellbeing and dispel any misconceptions about what mental health might be.
Last year, the Pasifika Medical Association partnered with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ Faculty in a Conference in Vanuatu which was attended by mental health experts from Australia and New Zealand, to discuss mental health care and psychiatric practise for children and adolescents.