December 04, 2018
He Ara Oranga welcome map to future
Health sector organisations have welcomed the report of the Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction as an opportunity to rethink the way the country faces major challenges like suicide and drug addiction.
He Ara Oranga includes recommendations for a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission to act as a watchdog and provide leadership.
It calls for a national suicide prevention strategy aimed at reducing suicide rates by 20 percent by 2030.
There are also roadmaps for culturally specific strategies for Māori, Pasifika and other communities.
Alcohol Action NZ spokesperson Doug Sellman says its call for restrictions on the sale and supply of alcohol is arguably the easiest and most effective intervention the government could enact in order to improve the well-being of New Zealanders.
Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell says its call to treat drugs as a health and social issue rather than a criminal one is the right thing to do.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com