Youth health - good health does not just happen
More funding for targeted youth health programs and services are vital to ensure the wellbeing of future generations of Australians, AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today.
Dr Phelps was speaking at the launch in Canberra of AMA National Youth Health Priorities 2001 - Adolescence: An Opportunity for Health, - a collection of policy recommendations for Governments that came out of the AMA's National Youth Health Summit in July.
The policy recommendations are the result of grassroots work with young people by more than 40 organisations around Australia involved in youth health activities.
Dr Phelps said young people in 21st century Australia are exposed to more stress and pressure than previous generations and this is reflected by the large number of youth health services - many voluntary and most inadequately funded - working with kids every day and night to help them cope with their problems.
"While most young Australians consider themselves to be in good health, some young people are at risk of extremely poor health outcomes," Dr Phelps said.
"Their health is affected by poverty, poor education, lack of parental support, and social environments that promote alcohol and other drug use, unprotected sex and violence.
"These complex issues need to be addressed through solid and sustainable infrastructure and appropriate levels of training for GPs, other specialists, and youth workers.
"The Federal Government must work closely with the States and Territories to provide adequate funding for sustainable long-term services and programs for youth health," Dr Phelps said.
The AMA, in partnership with Australia's youth health organisations, is calling for:
- Commitment from governments for ongoing funding for services developed under the Innovative Health Services for Homeless Youth Program;
- Adequate and ongoing funding for a national non-government youth peak body;
- Clear long-term national bipartisan Youth Health Policy;
- Increased education and information for young people on how to use the health care system and allied health care services;
- Funding for health promotion programs to address major issues of importance for adolescent health;
- Increased access to medical care for all young people.
AMA National Youth Health Priorities 2001, Adolescence: An Opportunity for Health is sponsored by the AMA under the Commonwealth Bank and AMA Youth Health Advocate Program.
Copies of the report can be obtained by calling the AMA on 02 6270 5400.
See Youth Health - Good Health Does Not Just Happen at www.domino.ama.com.au/AMAWeb/MediaRel.nsf/Media
CONTACT: Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076