Source: Mardi Shepherd Chair 9820 ARH Committee
 
The District 9820 ARH Committee ran a successful fundraiser webinar on the 10 October with Professor Felice Jacks. Felice discussed her research and innovative programs relating to Mental Health and Diet and provided her audience with great information. 
 
We would also like to thank the Rotary Club of Drouin who have made an outstanding donation of $5000 to ARH, earning the club a Companion framed certificate. It was with great pleasure that Mardi Shepherd (ARH District Chair) attended the RC of Drouin zoom meeting on Tuesday 13th October to acknowledge this donation.
 
ARH has a range of interesting programs which clubs may consider supporting. This general information on Australian Rotary Health shows the great work they are doing over a few different areas 
 
Who We Are?
Australian Rotary Health is one of the largest independent funders of mental health research within Australia.
We also provide funding into a broad range of general health areas, provide scholarships for rural medical and nursing students, as well as Indigenous health students. Australian Rotary Health provides funding into areas of health that do not readily attract funding, and promotes findings to the community.
Australian Rotary Health is a project of the Rotary Districts of Australia and is supported by Rotary Clubs.  We have a broad vision to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians.
 
What We Do?
Australian Rotary Health provides funding into four focus areas, and promotes findings to the community:
 
                                                                                                                                                                         Mental Health Research
 
Since the year 2000, Australian Rotary Health has focused its funding on mental health research. In 2012 this focus narrowed to the Mental Health of Young Australians, and in 2013 research projects focussing on the Prevention of Mental Health Disorders were included.
There are three ways we fund mental health research:
• Mental Health Research Grants
• Ian Scott PhD Scholarships
• Postdoctoral Fellowships

                                                                                                                                                                            General Health Research
 
Australian Rotary Health engages with a variety of funding partners to provide Research Grants and PhD Scholarships. These projects encompass a broad range of general health areas including cancer, heart disease, children’s health, motor neuron disease, diabetes and more.
There are two ways we fund general health research:
• Funding Partner PhD Scholarships
• Research Companion PhD Scholarships
                                                                                                                                                                              Indigenous Health Scholarships
 
These Scholarships support Indigenous students to undertake tertiary training in nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, dentistry and other health related degrees at university. These scholarships help Indigenous students to overcome barriers to tertiary study and qualification.
                                                                                                                                                                             Rural Medical & Nursing Scholarships
 
Australian Rotary Health provides scholarships for medical and nursing students to undertake placements at a rural and remote health care service. Students experience what these facilities have to offer and provide an incentive for recipients to pursue a career in rural Australia upon graduation.
 
ARH MENTAL HEALTH FACT SHEET
 
How many people experience mental illness?
• Almost one in five Australians (20%) will experience a mental illness in a 12-month period
• Nearly half (45%) of the population will experience a mental illness at some stage in their lives.
• At least one third of young people have had an episode of mental illness by the time they are 25 years old.
• Mental illnesses are the third leading cause of disability burden in Australia.  
• Anyone can develop a mental illness, and no one is immune to mental health problems. 

What are the most common mental illnesses?
• Anxiety disorders affect around 14% of the adult population every year.
• Depression affects around 6% of the adult population every year. 
• The remainder are affected by substance abuse disorders, psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia, personality disorders, and other conditions.
Many people have more than one diagnosis. 
 
What are the chances of recovering from mental illness?
 Most people with mental illness recover well and are able to lead fulfilling lives in the community when they receive appropriate ongoing treatment and support.
 However, only about half of those affected actually receive treatment. The majority of people who develop anxiety disorders and depression improve over time with appropriate treatment and support. 
 
What can we do to improve these outcomes?
 We believe continuing to create public awareness to break down stigma and raising funds for mental health research is a positive step to improving these outcomes. 
Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is an initiative of Australian Rotary Health, one of the largest non-government funders of mental health research in Australia. 
You can help raise money for Lift the Lid during Mental Health Month (October) by hosting a Hat Day event, setting up Lift the Lid awareness stands in your local area, or donating at www. australianrotarhelth.org.au 
 
Where do donations go? 
• 100% of the money raised for Lift the Lid on Mental Illness goes directly to funding mental health research through Australian Rotary Health (ARH).
• ARH PhD and Project Grants are used to develop and trial preventions and treatments for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses.
Sponsors