Mental Health
'Can Do' Comorbidity Well Program

Program Coordinator           Gillian Ashton

Email:  g.ashton@gpasouthgippsland.com.au

Funded by: Department of Health and Ageing

The South Coast ‘Can Do’ Comorbidity Well program is an extension of the original ‘Can Do’ Initiative funded by the Department of Health and Ageing in 2008.

The original initiative focussed on improving the capacity for General Practitioners to respond and recognise the needs of individuals with comorbid drug and alcohol and mental health issues. This aim was carried out through the provision of training to GPs throughout the South Gippsland region.

With the success of this training and the recognised need for further specialised training, the Building on ‘Can Do’ grants program was established.

The aims of the current project are to:

• Enhance local service coordination and continuity of care and management of patients with comorbid mental health and drug and alcohol conditions.  
• To enhance local professionals understanding and awareness of Comorbidity issues in young people.

These aims will be carried out via the following objectives;

• Conduct a needs analysis on Comorbidity training for service providers in the local area and to identify gaps in service coordination, referral processes and networking.
• Conduct youth focussed Comorbidity training
• Form a reference group to establish local area referral protocols and work on service coordination issues.

If you are interested in learning further information about this project or joining the reference group please contact Gillian on Thursday and Fridays
phone 5674 0900 or email g.ashton@gpasouthgippsland.com.au

Useful links

Australian General Practice Network

www.agpn.com.au/programs/mental_health

www.agpncando.com/

South Coast Comorbidity Network
http://sccomorbidity.ning.com

Dual Diagnosis Network – Victorian Dual Diagnosis Initiative

www.dualdiagnosis.org.au