Youth health policies to be developed at Summit

A summit in Canberra today involving more than 30 key organisations involved in youth and youth health programs is expected to draw up an election 'wish list' of youth health strategies and policies to be presented to all political parties prior to the Federal election.

The National Youth Health Summit 2001 is organised and hosted by the AMA under the Commonwealth Bank and AMA Youth Health Advocate Program.

AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today that the importance of youth health issues in the Australian community was reflected by the high attendance at the summit.

"Life in the 21st century has presented new challenges and new pressures for young people in Australia," Dr Phelps said.

"While traditional health problems and risks such as smoking, alcohol, drugs, diet, unsafe sex and lack of exercise are still prevalent, there has been an alarming rise in the incidence of things like stress and depression.

"At least one young Australian dies from suicide each day, with more than 10,000 hospitalised each year due to intentional self-harm. Of particular concern is depression among young people in country areas where access to counselling and support services is not as readily available as in the cities and regional centres.

"The parlous state of indigenous health in Australia is equally alarming among young Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.

"This summit is all about gathering grassroots solutions to address national problems."

Key issues to be discussed at the summit include:

Greater representation of young people and the youth sector in the development of government youth health policy and programs

• National youth health infrastructure and better coordination of youth health programs
• Improved access to mainstream and specialist youth health services for all young Australians, especially for disadvantaged and 'at risk' young people including Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, and kids from rural, homeless, migrant, refugee, and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Increased recognition of the needs of young people and greater understanding of youth issues and specific health concerns.

Further details about the program and participating organisations can be obtained by contacting the AMA Youth Health Advocate, Joanne Murray, on 02 6270 5447. A full list of summit participants is attached.

26 July 2001

CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761

Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5493 / (0419) 440 076