Structural discrimination in the COVID-19 vaccination programme for people with mental health and addiction issues: now is the time to be equally well.

People with mental health and substance use issues (tangata whai ora katoa), regardless of ethnicity, are much more likely to be hospitalised or die from COVID-19 and were identified as a priority population (Priority Group 3) in Aotearoa New Zealand's vaccination roll-out plan. Data released by the Ministry of Health show that, despite tangata whai ora katoa being a priority group, their vaccination rates are well below those of the general population. These inequities are pronounced for Maori with mental health and addiction issues (tangata whai ora Maori). This is not acceptable. To support tangata whai ora physical health and wellbeing, the onus is on all of us in the health system to actively reach out, have conversations, be supportive and provide accessible vaccination for people with mental health and addiction issues. Urgent action is needed. Now is the time to ensure tangata whai ora katoa can be equally well.

Experiences of mental health discrimination in New Zealand.

Discrimination against people with experience of mental illness is a recognised problem, and there is a lack of information in New Zealand regarding the nature of this discrimination. The Like Minds, Like Mine project is a New Zealand initiative to combat the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. This paper reports on a study undertaken as part of this initiative, and describes the nature of discrimination that people with experience of mental illness face in New Zealand. A written survey was undertaken with people with experience of mental illness from throughout New Zealand, using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative questions. This questionnaire was distributed throughout the country in 2003, using a variety of distribution methods, and 785 responses were received and analysed from people self-identifying as having experienced mental illness. Respondents reported discrimination in all areas of their lives. The most commonly reported areas were discrimination by friends and family (59%), a fear of being discriminated against (46%), and discrimination in looking for employment (34%) and mental health services (34%). Discrimination can limit the participation of people with experience of mental illness in our society. We all need to examine our own attitudes and behaviours and take responsibility for discrimination.