A QUT researcher's work to help people experiencing alcohol and depression problems has been recognised by the Queensland Government at last week's 2010 Mental Health Week awards.
Professor David Kavanagh, from the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), was awarded in the Government service or research and education category for his work developing the OnTrack website which provides confidential online assistance.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas announced the awards at a ceremony last Friday, October 15, for the culmination of Queensland's Mental Health Week.
Mr Lucas said Professor Kavanagh's work was helping immeasurably to improve community understanding of mental health issues, which would affect almost half of the Australian adult population at some stage.
"Yet two-thirds of those experiencing a mental illness do not seek treatment largely due to the stigma attached to it," Mr Lucas said.
Professor Kavanagh said OnTrack, funded by Queensland Health, gave people free 24-hour access to assistance, no matter where they lived.
"The OnTrack website allows people to get fact sheets and check their mood and their drinking without having to log in or give their name," Professor Kavanagh said.
"If they want, and require, more support, there is a confidential online program they can use. It has tools to help people get their lives back on track, and gives feedback on how they are going.
"If their problems are severe, we ask that they use the program with their doctor."
Ontrack is available at www.ontrack.org.au.
Media contact: Rachael Wilson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 1150 or rachael.wilson@qut.edu.au.
