Why prevention and early intervention are important

The McGowan government could learn from the wisdom of others when formulating mental health policy and strategy. Its current approach to mental health funding is fundamentally bed based with little regard to funding early intervention and prevention approaches which could make those beds less needed. Funding more beds increases the cost of providing health services.

There are approaches outlined in the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Plan 2015-2025 which was developed with the lived experience of consumers, families and service networks. The government simply refuses to listen to the voice of lived experience.

The Minister for Health and Mental Health says it is the Mental Health portfolio which keeps him awake at night. Minister, it is the lack of early intervention and prevention services which keeps families and consumers awake at night.

Read why funding that plan is important.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Benjamin Franklin

Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.
Albert Einstein

Treatment without prevention is simply unsustainable.
Bill Gates

Prevention is better than cure.
Desiderius Erasmus

He who cures a disease may be the skill fullest, but he that prevents it is the safest physician.
Thomas Fuller