CANBERRA, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has invested a record 1.1 billion Australian dollars (about 770 million U.S. dollars) to strengthen the country's mental health system and expand access to care, according to a statement released on Saturday to mark World Mental Health Day.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride said one in five Australian adults experiences mental health challenges each year, with the proportion doubling among young people.
Almost half of all Australians will experience mental health challenges at some point in their lives, she added.
The government's investment includes 267.3 million Australian dollars to establish or expand 32 Medicare Mental Health Centres, bringing the planned national network to 92 centers.
Currently, 57 centers are operating across the country, having provided more than 570,000 free walk-in appointments.
More than 700 million Australian dollars of the investment has been allocated to supporting young Australians, including 211.5 million dollars to expand the headspace youth mental health network from its current 176 centers to more than 200 by 2030.
McBride also highlighted Medicare Mental Health Check-In, Australia's first free national digital mental health service, which allows people to access self-guided mental health programs or receive support from psychologists over the phone.
This year's World Mental Health Day, observed annually on Oct. 10, carries the theme "Together We Thrive," emphasizing the importance of social connections and mutual support in maintaining mental wellbeing. ■