ANIMAL health company Zoetis has reached its goal of raising $100,000 for mental health organisation beyondblue in an effort to support good mental health and reduce suicide rates across rural Australia.

Australia loses around eight people a day to suicide, and over a year, suicide deaths are double that of the national road toll. Too many people who die by suicide are from rural farming communities.

Zoetis general manager Lance Williams and beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett during the cheque presentation

Earlier this year Zoetis became a Supporting Partner of beyondblue and launched a campaign to help raise awareness and much needed funds for the charity. For every Zoetis cattle, sheep or goat vaccine or drench sold by Zoetis between 1 August and 30 October this year, the company donated $5, up to $100,000 to beyondblue. This goal has now been reached.

“We would like to thank all the producers, resellers, veterinarians and the broader rural community for supporting this valuable cause. Your generosity has helped Zoetis raise much-needed funds for beyondblue and we are proud to have partnered with the community to support mental health in rural Australia,” Zoetis general manager Lance Williams said.

“We understand the devastating effect suicide can have on rural communities, given our staff travel more than two million kilometres each year servicing some of the most remote areas of Australia.

“Although we have reached our target of $100,000, our campaign doesn’t stop here. We encourage our staff and the wider community to continue to raise awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide prevention and help to reduce the associated stigma,” Mr Williams said.

Beyondblue wants to instil confidence in all Australians to look after their own mental health and support those around them by making anxiety, depression and suicide part of everyday conversations. As well as tackling the stigma and discrimination, which is often directed at people with mental health conditions, the organisation works to break down the barriers that prevent people from speaking up and reaching out.

Beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett congratulated Zoetis for its commitment to mental health in their partnership with beyondblue.

“I would like to thank Zoetis for the contribution it has made to supporting mental health in rural Australia. The rural community deserves access to mental health services and support like everyone else. Beyondblue resources are designed to be accessed by anybody, anytime, anywhere in Australia whether online, by phone, web chat, email, social media or our printed materials,” Mr Kennett said.

“One of our most important services is the Beyondblue 24-hour Support Service that anyone around the country can call at any time, day or night. Calls to the service have increased by 50 percent compared to the last financial year, so funds to keep the service running are a must.

Additionally around 68,000 people living with depression and anxiety are turning to the service’s online forums every month. On the forums people can talk freely, safely and anonymously about how they’re feeling with posts monitored by the team or clinically-trained moderators and volunteers, known as ‘community champions’, who offer peer support.

• For more information about anxiety, depression and suicide, visit www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support or call the 24/7 beyondblue Support Service on 1300 22 4636.

About beyondblue

Beyondblue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression and suicide in Australia.

Beyondblue provides information and support to help everyone achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. It works to give everyone in Australia the confidence to speak openly about anxiety, depression and suicide – both to seek support when they need it and to check in with those close to them – and tackle prejudice and discrimination wherever they exist.

Beyondblue’s tools, resources and services create mentally healthy environments. Through dedicated programs, beyondblue supports schools, universities, workplaces and community organisations to protect and promote good mental health.

About Zoetis

Zoetis is a leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services.

Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2015, the company generated annual revenue of $4.8 billion with 9000 employees.

Source: Zoetis