Search everything Menu Patients & Communities Supporting Australian patient communities through COVID-19 Three local health consumer organisations have received COVID-19 Regional Grants from MSD to support their pandemic response efforts for cancer patients and their families. 1 September 2021 Share this article Australian health consumer organisations have played a significant role in supporting their patient communities through the challenges of COVID-19 since the pandemic first emerged in 2020. In recognition of this response, MSD has provided Melanoma Patients Australia, Rare Cancers Australia and the Lung Foundation Australia with grants from MSD’s Global Office of Corporate Responsibility, as part of our company’s COVID-19 Regional Grants initiative. These temporary grants were established to support not for profit organisations around the world who are working to support COVID-19 related response efforts. Melanoma Patients Australia received a $75,000 USD grant to fund a new virtual ‘Melanoma Wellbeing, Resilience and Support Project’. This project includes creating a Wellness Hub on their website, a Wellness Webinar Series, and the creation of evidence-based resources to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of melanoma patients and carers during the COVID-19 pandemic, while at the same time, reaching more regional, rural and remote Australians impacted by melanoma. The Lung Foundation received a $50,000 USD grant to develop a program called ‘Mind Matters’ to support the emotional well being of patients through COVID-19. This online program features blogs and videos for patients and carers to access that provide information on practising mindfulness and self-compassion, and other relevant mental health topics to support patients who are experiencing additional stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) will use their $50,000 USD grant to create a CO-VIDeo Digital Hub to address the challenges that have arisen for the rare and less common cancer community since the COVID-19 pandemic began. CO-VIDeo will include a suite of webinars, V-logs, workshops, short documentary-style pieces, podcasts, and written article content. The project aims to improve disparities and address the obstacles that exist for patients by supporting, educating and empowering cancer patients not only in Australia but also across the Asia Pacific region. Zarli French, Manager of External Affairs at MSD Australia, said: “The COVID-19 health crisis continues to significantly impact Australian Health Consumer Organisations, and we’ve observed their service delivery needs escalate as vulnerable patient populations call for help and guidance.” “We are pleased to share the MSD grant initiative with our local patient organisations as it provides a meaningful response at a crucial time, facilitating vital support to the cancer patient community right across Australia during COVID-19 and beyond.” Zarli French Senior External Affairs Manager Discover more stories Understanding endometrial cancer Childhood cancer patient dedicates his life to clinical trial research Harnessing tech to eliminate distance in a virtual world View all stories Discover more stories Understanding endometrial cancer Childhood cancer patient dedicates his life to clinical trial research Harnessing tech to eliminate distance in a virtual world View all stories Explore more in Melanoma Oncology Patients & Communities Related links Culture & values Our core values are at the heart of everything we do and are driven by a desire to improve life. Responsibility The heart of our mission to discover, develop and provide innovative products and services that save and improve lives. About our company Discover how we invent for life Connect with us on social For patients and healthcare professionals MSD Manuals Medical information source covering thousands of topics in all fields of medicine MSD Australian Doctor Portal (myMSD) HCP access to product and supported therapy area information Corporate responsibility Corporate Responsibility Report Reporting on our commitment to society, people and communities around the world MSD for Mothers An initiative to create a world where no woman has to die giving life About MSD Animal Health The animal health business unit of MSD Australia Privacy Cookie policy Terms of use Forward-looking statement Copyright © 2021 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA. All rights reserved. Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia) Pty Limited. Level 1 – Building A, 26 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. This Site Uses Cookies and Your Privacy Choice Is Important to Us We suggest you choose Customize my Settings to make your individualized choices. Accept Cookies means that you are choosing to accept third-party Cookies and that you understand this choice. See our Privacy Policy Reject Cookies Accept Cookies Customize my Settings