Australian Rotary Health Research Fund

District 9810 Committee for 2008 - 2009

The District 9810 Australian Rotary Health Research Fund (ARHRF) committee for 2008-09 is as follows:

• Chairman & District Mental Health Forum Advocate:    John Beaty, Rotary Club of Beaumaris

• Ian Coleman,  Rotary Club of ManninghamJeff Gouldson        Rotary Club of Glen Waverley

• Jana Kelly-Harradence, Rotary Club of Belgrave

• Gail Robertson, Rotary Club of Chelsea

• John Ritchie, Rotary Club of Emerald & District

• Richard Spinosa-Cattela, Rotary Club of Mount Waverley

• Regional Co-ordinator -   PDG Patrick Hartley, Rotary Club of  Lilydale

Beginnings

In 1981 The Rotary Club of Mornington in Victoria proposed that a fund be established with the aim of raising a minimum of $2 million through Rotary Clubs across Australia, to invest this money and use the income in a particular field of health research in periods of at least three years

 

The proposal gained District 982 approval and the project was discussed at the Regional Rotary Institute for present and past RI officers in late 1981. A steering committee was appointed to develop the Fund and each Rotary District in Australia was asked to accept the concept in principle. The ARHRF was up and running

 

The Concept

To provide research grants and scholarships in varies health research areas.

 

After the initial grants to the Cot Deaths (SIDS) project the Fund has supported a wide range of health research. There are many aspects of health that urgently require research and the ARHRF is able to perform a valuable service to the community by sponsoring research into otherwise neglected areas.

 

Health as envisaged by the ARHRF encompasses a wide vision and includes all aspects of community health. The intention is to be a catalyst for projects that will improve the quality of life for those least able to assist themselvesIt is hoped that the Rotary research projects will contain a strong element of applied research. It should be possible to demonstrate practical strategies for the enhancement of community health in a way that individual Rotary clubs can apply in their own communities.This provides a circle of fund raising, donations to the ARHRF and research results that can be applied in the communities that raised some of the research funds

 

ARHRF Structure

The Fund is approved by the Board of Rotary International as a multi-district  project and is registered under Corporation Law. Membership is restricted to Rotarians and the Fund is controlled by a Board of Directors drawn from the Australian Rotary Districts

 

Rotarians can join the Fund as members for an joining fee of $50 and an annual subscription of $10. All donations to the Fund over $2 are tax deductible

 

Donations are sought from

•  The Australian public

•  Rotary Clubs•Individual Rotarians•Commercial organisations

•  Charitable trusts

•  Bequests

 

Research Spending

Since 1985 over $18 million will have been spent on research, including grant allocations for 2008. The Board allocates research grants on the advice of a Research Committee comprised of eminent medical and paramedical professionals and academics.

 

In addition to research the ARHRF allocates funds to:

•  Indigenous Health Scholarships

•  Kids Matter

•  Rural Medical Scholarships

•  Club Mental Health Forums

 

Donations to the FundSince 2002 $7,388,300 has been donated, excluding 2007-2008 donations

 

Major Current Health Field of Research

Mental Illness

It is estimated that mental health problems and mental illness will affect more than 20% of the adult population in their lifetime and between 10 to 15% of young people in any one year. Many will recover spontaneously and, of the remainder, the majority can be treated and will fully recover. However a smaller number will experience longer periods of distress and disability

 

Mental illnesses are just like any other illness such as heart disease, diabetes and asthma. Yet the traditions of flowers, sympathy and support provided to those with physical illness are often denied to those who have a mental illness. Myths, misunderstanding, negative attitudes and stereotypes surround the issue of mental illness. These result in stigma, isolation and discrimination

 

Since 2000 the ARHRF has focussed research on mental illness. Funding is given to research project grants, PhD Scholarships and to Post Doctoral Fellowships

 

So, what can your club do to help 'spread the word'?

Community Health Seminars are an important way of 'getting the message across' to your Community. We already have in our District a number of clubs that have very successfully facilitated Community Health Forums. If your club is interested in conducting a seminar in your area, an instruction manual which covers all aspects associated with the forum is available in your District. Please contact District Chairman John Beaty by clicking on the link: at the bottom of this page

 

WHAT CAN YOUR ROTARY CLUB DO TO SUPPORT THE ARHRF?

•  RAISE MONEY FOR THE FUND

•  ORGANISE MENTAL HEALTH FORUMS, SINGLY OR JOINTLY WITH OTHER CLUBS

•   ORGANISE PROBUS CLUB HEALTH FORUMS

•  SUPPORT ‘THE BOWELSCAN’ PROGRAM

•  ENCOURAGE ROTARIANS AND OTHERS TO JOIN THE

 ‘ RIDE FOR RESEARCH DOLLARS’  ($640,000 raised up to 2008 ride)

 

If you would like an ARHRF committee member to speak at a club meeting on any aspect of the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund, please contact John Beaty on telephone 95839991