Zoetis, a leading animal health company, has renewed its collaboration with Beyond Blue to raise essential funds for mental health initiatives in rural Australia. This partnership comes at a crucial time when farmers and rural communities are facing heightened pressures from inflation, cost-of-living increases, climate change impacts, and the ongoing effects of Covid-19, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support.
Over the past eight years, Zoetis has contributed $800,000 to Beyond Blue’s services, which assisted over 300,000 individuals seeking help in 2023 alone. This year, Zoetis aims to raise an additional $100,000 by donating $5 from every sale of its livestock, pig, and poultry vaccines and drenches until October 31, 2024.
Lance Williams, Senior Vice President of Australia and Zealand at Zoetis, emphasized that the partnership with Beyond Blue extends beyond financial aid. “It’s about fostering hope and resilience, ensuring that individuals grappling with mental health challenges understand they are not alone and that support is accessible.”
Williams highlighted the importance of normalizing conversations about mental health and promoting help-seeking behavior. “Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness,” he added, acknowledging the uniqueness and validity of each person’s experience.
Statistics reveal that over 3.4 million Australians are affected by anxiety or depression, with rural and remote communities facing additional barriers to mental health services due to attitudinal, financial, and digital obstacles. Research from the National Farmers Federation indicates that a significant number of farmers are experiencing declining mental health, exacerbated by weather-related disasters, financial stress, and other pressures.
Williams stressed the significance of community support in combating stigma and prioritizing mental health. “Every act of kindness, whether small or large, plays a pivotal role in fostering a supportive environment where mental health is a priority,” he said.
The Zoetis initiative to support Beyond Blue runs from July 15 to October 31, 2024. For every purchase of Zoetis’s livestock, pig, and poultry vaccines and drenches during this period, $5 will be donated to Beyond Blue, with the goal of reaching $100,000 in contributions.
Related Topics:
