Mental Health Services has a new Director at Far West LHD
The Far West Local Health District's new Director of Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Services, Jodie Miller, is looking forward to building up community and consumer mental health partnerships to strengthen those services in the Far West.
A local to Broken Hill, Jodie Miller recently took up the role, which also includes Violence and Neglect Services in the Far West LHD.
She has a degree in Social Work and post graduate studies in Health Administration and has worked in mental health, drug and alcohol and violence neglect services for over 20 years in Broken Hill and surrounding communities.
'I have a strong passion for the co-design of MHDA service planning, programs and service delivery models with a focus on ensuring that the organisation adapts to meet the widely differing health needs of rural communities and overcome the challenges of geographic complexities often faced by consumers and families,' said Jodie.
'I am looking forward to building our community and consumer partnerships further.'
Far West LHD MHDA services, for example, have successfully partnered with Mission Australia and GROW to implement the innovative Connections Program. It is an out of hours social connection program, wholly staffed by mental health Peer Support Workers (PSWs) employed by Mission Australia and supported by GROW and LHD staff.
'We are also excited to be partnering with the RFDS and Lifeline Country to Coast Broken Hill with the We've Got Your Back campaign,' said Jodie.
This project engages and trains locals in remote communities of Far West NSW, as the Champions of We've Got Your Back project and introduces face-to-face support for rural people from the land, engaging in genuine conversations and providing advocacy on the needs of those impacted by drought, and linking people to appropriate services.
Our successful partnership with Neami National providing recovery short-term residential care for people requiring a supportive environment to help them recover from mental health and / or drug & alcohol issues is a collaborative that continues to strengthen and service the communities of the Far West.
Jodie said she it was an exciting time for Far West mental health services.
'I am excited to lead the MHDA teams of the far west as we grow these partnerships and strengthen our services to continue supporting better outcomes for people living with and caring for people with mental health and drug & alcohol challenges and delivering high quality healthcare,' she said.
Jodie took up the position of MHDA Director earlier this year.