PHARMACISTS hit by the twin crises of the bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for one of 20 $500 grants to support their mental health.
Pharmacists' Support Service (PSS) President, John Coppock, announced that $10,000 had been provided for the organisation to distribute to pharmacists and their colleagues, by an anonymous donor to support the mental health and wellbeing activities for those working in the pharmacy sector who have been impacted by the bushfires.
"We are very aware that pharmacists and staff in bushfire-affected pharmacies are still in the early recovery stage after the bushfires around Australia, which commenced in Nov and continue in a variety of locations through to Feb," he said.
"Now these pharmacists and pharmacy staff are facing the stress of dealing with COVID-19.
"This new stress may be a tipping point for some and we are keen to support their mental health and wellbeing."
In a statement the PSS said the grants could be used to assist with the following issues:
Out of pocket expenses associated with professional counselling in relation to stress and trauma associated with the bushfires (above any Medicare rebate if eligible).
Provision of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by a pharmacy to enable all staff to access counselling in a confidential manner.
Locum cover for a sole pharmacist to enable them to attend to their health and wellbeing or personal affairs.
Enquires should be sent by EMAIL to Kay Dunkley and titled, Bushfire Mental Health Support.
Pharmacists in need of support can all the PPS on 1300 244 910 every day between 8am and 11pm.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 31 Mar 20
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