Media release
From the Minister for Mental Health
Thursday, 7 October, 2010
PENINSULA HEALTH’S ICE CAMPAIGN RECOGNISED
Peninsula Health has won a top public healthcare award from the Brumby Labor Government for tackling drug use with a focus on young people.
The servicewas last night presented with the Responding to Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service Needs Award at the 2010 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards in Melbourne.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to give Victorians a better health system by building new hospitals and hiring more doctors and nurses,” Mental Health Minister Lisa Neville said.
“Now in their sixth year, these awards celebrate quality, innovation and excellence in our public health system.”
The Responding to Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service Needs Award recognises initiatives that provide early help, deliver effective treatment and support recovery for those with, or at risk of, mental health and drug and alcohol problems.
Peninsula Health was honoured for its ‘Breaking the Ice’ resources tackling amphetamine use.
Ms Neville said Peninsula Health’s Peninsula Drug and Alcohol Program identified the need to further train its staff to manage amphetamine users as well as increase public awareness on the consequences of amphetamine use.
“The project engaged a range of partners to develop two ‘cutting edge’ resources as well as undertake significant staff development,” she said.
“The ‘Early on Ice’ poster campaign targeted young people, with a particular focus on the club scene,and raised awareness of the consequences of amphetamine use including increased paranoia, lethargy and aggressiveness.
“The second resource was the ‘Break the Ice’ film tackling amphetamine use amongst the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex communities.”
Runners up this year were Austin Health winning Silver and Prahran Mission UnitingCare receiving a Highly Commended Award.
Ms Neville said the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards were established in 2005 to recognise the dedication and expertise of people committed to finding better ways of providing care.
“This year’s response has been remarkable with a record of 310 entries submitted from health services across Victoria,” Ms Nevillesaid.
“The high calibre of entrants ensured 2010 was the toughest yet for judges to select winners and is testament to the wonderful and inspiring work happening every day in our public healthcare system.”
Media contact: Rebecca Tucker 9651 5799 or 0408 031 269