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Equally Well: Physical health

Equally Well: Physical health

Equally Well is a group of people and organisations with the common goal of achieving physical health equity for people who experience mental health and addiction issues. People who access mental health and addiction services are at the centre of this work.

Everyone should have the same opportunities to be physically well. However that’s not always the case.

In New Zealand and overseas, people experiencing addiction and mental health issues tend to have worse physical health than their counterparts in the general population, and a shorter life expectancy. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer and oral health issues are more common for this population group.

Equally Well is about taking initiative and working together for change. Equally Well supporters span the health, mental health and social sectors, and include community organisations, mental health and addiction NGOs, primary care, district health boards, medical colleges and education providers.

Become part of the movement and help make a difference for the people your service or organisation supports.

Learn more about Equally Well by visiting the Equally Well website.

The evidence, resources and tools

The evidence shows that people experiencing mental health and addiction issues experience physical health inequities, and are more likely to die much earlier than their counterparts in the general population.

The problem Equally Well addresses

People accessing mental health services have more than twice the mortality rate than the general population. Equally Well works towards addressing the physical health inequities for people with mental health and addiction issues.

Resources

Stories