SUPPORT for Australians living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is increasing with the announcement of a national centre dedicated to PTSD research, education, and clinical services right here on the Sunshine Coast.
The centre will take an integrated approached to research and treatment, with a strong focus on the health and wellbeing of veterans. Funding will enable research and clinical services to be expedited, with service to be available in early 2023.
It is a major national piece of mental health care and research infrastructure which will undoubtedly benefit the enormous veteran and first responder community here on the Sunshine Coast.
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute in Birtinya has received an investment of $8.3 million from the Morrison Government, supplementing $6 million in philanthropic funding from Roy and Nola Thompson and in-kind funding from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The centre aims to deliver breakthrough research into the causes, impacts and treatments of PTSD, in collaboration with national and international partners; develop pharmaceutical and therapeutic interventions; establish a national PTSD brain bank to support research into brain chemistry and structure; provide clinical services for PTSD sufferers, supporting fast translation of research into clinical practice; and deliver education for better understanding, care and support of PTSD patients and families.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the centre, facilitated by the world-class research, training and support facility at USC Thompson Institute, will be a gamechanger for PTSD research and support.
“The USC Thompson Institute undertakes vital work in mental health and suicide prevention research and treatment, and I have long fought for funding to back their efforts,” Mr Wallace said.
“This $8.3 million funding package for a national PTSD centre will provide much-needed research and support to our veteran and first responder community, to whom we owe so much.
“Fisher is home to one of the country’s largest veteran populations, and I can’t think of a better place to deliver this vital project.”
In addition, the Morrison Government is investing a further $3.8 million for the Thompson Institute to continue to undertake innovative, evidence-based youth mental health and suicide prevention research and services.