A partnership between Zoetis and Beyond Blue aims to raise $100,000 to support rural mental health initiatives by the end of 2023.

Over the past seven years, the partnership has raised $700,000 for the Beyond Blue Support Service by donating $5 from each sale of the company’s livestock, pig, and poultry vaccines and drenches.

Lance Williams, Senior Vice President and Cluster Lead, Australia and New Zealand, at Zoetis, said Zoetis works closely with rural Australia through interactions with the country’s farming community, agricultural stores, veterinarians and their families.

“The farming community has endured many challenges over the years. Through economic insecurity, social isolation, loneliness, and insecure work, we’re seeing an increase in many of the factors that drive mental health challenges. Rural Australia and country people are stoic and display considerable courage, however, the impact on mental health has been significant for many.”

Patrice O’Brien, Chief Community Officer at Beyond Blue, said social connections are closely tied to our physical and mental wellbeing.

“Feeling connected with others can reduce stress and build resilience. Having someone to talk to and support you is important. People in rural Australia are known for their resilience in times of crisis, but even the most resilient need extra support at times. Timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of a mental health condition in rural areas are likely to occur later or not at all, often resulting in an increased probability of the most tragic of outcomes. We want everyone to know that support is available.”

Between 15 July and 31 October 2023, each sale of company’s livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches, Zoetis will donate $5, up to $100,000, to Beyond Blue.

Williams said the money raised goes directly to the Beyond Blue Support Service to continue helping people living in remote areas.

“To date, thanks to Zoetis’s donation, over 14,000 people have been able to get the support they need through the service. Together we have made strong progress in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those who live in rural Australia, and we are passionate about helping again this year.”

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