COMMUNITY
We pride ourselves on the role we play in the communities where we live and work.
We look to work with communities, from those within close proximity to our facilities to those much further away. Our approach to doing so is to always listen to local needs and find ways to invest in areas relevant to our business and the skills of our people.
Health Consumer Organisations
Health Consumer Organisations (HCOs) are not-for-profit organisations that represent the interests and views of consumers of health care. Sometimes referred to as patient groups, HCOs provide support services and information to patients, families and carers. HCOs also fund research as well as advocate for improved standards of care and enhanced access to treatment. To this end, HCOs often work in partnership with a range of health professionals and healthcare providers with the aim to minimise the impact of ill health on the Australian community.
The Australian Medicines Industry has worked collaboratively with HCOs for many years to provide information and support to help patients understand and manage their health and well being. The Industry also works with HCOs toward advancing dialogue around healthcare issues to support optimal delivery of healthcare. In 2005, the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (the national peak organisation for consumers) and Medicines Australia (the national association representing the prescription medicines industry) developed the Working Together Guide. In 2008 both organisations undertook a review of the document to ensure it remained relevant and informative. The Guide aims to assist both HCOs and the industry in working together appropriately in a transparent and accountable way. MSD endorses the Guide, using it along with the detailed supporting materials in the Working Together Manual, as a framework to develop and maintain our HCO relationships.
For more information, the Guide and manual are available at www.chf.org.au or www.medicinesaustralia.com.au
MSD worked with the following HCOs in 2011:
| Arthritis Australia, Medicines Australia Community Chest program (MACC) | The MACC is a strategic collaboration between Arthritis Australia and Medicines Australia member companies. As a member of the MACC (until end June 2011), MSD provided an educational grant to support projects that improve outcomes through evidence-based management of arthritis. |
| National Asthma Council (NAC) Australia | MSD provided an educational grant to update the NAC's information paper and consumer brochure - 'Asthma & Allergic Rhinitis'. |
| Crohn's and Colitis Australia | MSD provided an educational grant to support a members website as well as a number of consumer awareness programs. |
| Hepatitis Australia | MSD provided an educational grant to support a one-day facilitated meeting of key stakeholders to progress priority actions within the Third National Hepatitis C Strategy 2010-2013, in relation to hepatitis C treatment, care and support |
| Hepatitis NSW | MSD provided a grant to part-fund a project that will build a network of hepatitis C supporters to advocate for better services and access to services for people living with and affected by hepatitis C. |
| National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NAPWA) | MSD provided an educational grant to support NAPWA's HIV treatment information and education outreach project, including outreach forums and community worker training. |
| National Heart Foundation of Australia | MSD is a member of the Heart Foundation Pharmaceutical Roundtable. The Roundtable brings together the Heart Foundation and members of leading pharmaceutical companies with the aim of improving the cardiovascular health of all Australians. In 2011 MSD provided, through the Roundtable, funding support for cardiovascular research projects as well as an educational grant to support programs aimed at improving cardiovascular outcomes. |
| Osteoporosis Australia | MSD provided an educational grant to fund a national awareness campaign to increase public understanding of osteoporosis, reduce fractures and improve bone health. |
| Access Australia | MSD provided an educational grant to support development of the Access Australia website including information about new infertility treatments, government policy information as well as support available through a patient forum. In addition the grant supported the enhancement an e-mail system to improve communication with members. |
| People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Victoria | MSD provided an educational grant to support the following programs:
|
Disaster Relief
MSD supports Australia and neighbouring countries in major crises. In 2011, MSD donated over $100,000 towards the Queensland flood appeal and $50,000 to the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. In addition, MSD donates medicines and provides other means of healthcare support when needed.
The Rural Health Education Foundation
MSD has been sponsoring the Rural Health Education Foundation with an annual unrestricted educational grant since 1992.MSD continues its association and support of the Foundation today. The Foundation produces and distributes health and medical distance learning programs that are designed to help practitioners improve the health and wellbeing of Australians living in rural and remote areas across Australia. For more information on RHEF, click here
Collaboration for Health in Papua New Guinea
As a member of the Collaboration for Health in Papua New Guinea (CHPNG), MSD has joined forces with five other Australian pharmaceutical companies to deliver a number of initiatives designed to limit the impact of the epidemic and improve the lives of those living with the disease. In 2001, they formed an informal consortium and in 2003, the informal consortium became the Collaboration for Health in PNG. For more information on CHPNG, click here.
These are just a few examples of initiatives undertaken by the Australian business. For more information on our global efforts, click here.
CHARITY OF CHOICE - BARNARDOS
MSD is proud to partner with Barnardos, our charity of choice in Australia.
For over 120 years, Barnardos has been at the forefront of child welfare service provision and has embraced a tradition of innovation and a holistic approach in their quest to find real, permanent solutions for Australian children suffering from abuse, neglect, homelessness and poverty.
Barnardos builds relationships between children, young people, their families and the community. They advocate for children and young people and contribute to community knowledge about the issues that impact on society as a whole.
As part of our partnership, MSD provides an annual corporate sponsorship of $100,000 and moreover, is actively engaged with the work of Barnardos through a structured volunteering program including community work, fundraising and other charitable activities.
All permanent employees at MSD are granted 20 hours of paid company time each year to undertake volunteer work in the community. This is a subject which is close to our hearts. A recent company survey showed:
- Nearly 90% of our employees want to offer volunteer work during work hours
- Around 80% of colleagues considered volunteering and other community work was very important when designing team activities