[Greens-Media] PARNELL: Singing the latest victim in State Govt health cuts

[Parnell]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Wednesday 19th June 2013

Singing the latest victim in Govt health cuts


The Greens have called on the Health Minister to reverse a decision to axe a popular singing program helping residents in the Sothern suburbs overcome social and mental health issues.

The call came as the Singing for Health choir sang protest songs today on the steps of Parliament House to highlight their plight.

The "Singing for Health" choir began in 2009 and involves up to 30 residents of the Southern suburbs who meet to sing at the Noarlunga GP Super Plus Super Clinic each week. It is run by a social worker and psychologist, who each have musical backgrounds.  The choir is the latest victim of the McCann Review cutbacks that have decimated community health funding in South Australia.

"This is a short-sighted, foolhardy decision," said Greens Leader Mark Parnell.

"Programs like Singing for Health keep members healthy and out of hospital.

"They save money from the over-stretched health budget by keeping active and connected away from acute health services.

"Axing the program doesn't even make economic sense: a short hospital stay by just one member will wipe out all the savings made to the health budget," he said.

This program is the latest in a series of damaging cuts to the community and preventative health sector in South Australia as a result for the controversial McCann Review conducted at the end of last year.  A large number of effective health programs, such as Start Right, Eat Right have been axed, while more cuts are expected shortly in the Youth, Aboriginal, and Women Health sectors.

"Singing for Health is more than just a choir.  For many members it's their only social activity. It is a wonderful example of the power of music and the arts to transform lives," said Mr Parnell.

"The amount of funding is tiny, but the impact on the people who participate is life-changing.  The program provides a positive and life-affirming social activity for people who would otherwise stay at home and remain isolated.

"The Greens strongly urge Health Minister Jack Snelling to reinstate funding to this vital program as part of a wider review of all the misguided McCann Review cutbacks," he said.


For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893

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