PHANZ CALLS FOR ACTION TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL HEALTH FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION ISSUES
The Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) is calling on Government to prioritise the physical health of people who experience mental health and addiction issues.
In its updated policy position statement endorsing the Equally Well vision, the PHANZ highlights the inequities faced by this population, including significantly higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, cancer mortality, and reduced life expectancy. The Equally Well collaborative is a New Zealand-founded initiative that has influenced national policy settings including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer planning, vaccination prioritisation, and public health funding
International evidence shows people accessing mental health and addiction services have more than twice the mortality rate of the general population, with life expectancy reduced by up to 25 years. In Aotearoa, people with substance or alcohol dependence experience premature mortality rates more than two-and-a-half times higher than the overall population.
The PHANZ will continue to advocate for policy reform, raise awareness across its networks, and work alongside partners to ensure the physical wellbeing of people with lived experience of mental health and addiction issues is no longer overlooked.
Read the full PHANZ policy position statement:
The media release supporting the release of this policy position statement is available below.