Dr Belinda Lloyd, Professor of Addiction Studies at Monash University: Measuring, monitoring and responding: The role of big data, linkages and cross-sector approaches for mental health and alcohol and other drugs across health, law enforcement and welfare sectors
Mental health and AOD-related issues contribute significantly to demands on the health, criminal justice and welfare sectors, and are priority areas for development of effective policy and intervention. Addressing the current paucity in robust evidence at a population level is essential to appropriately respond to these issues. Drawing on an internationally unique national monitoring system using routinely collected ambulance attendance data, the magnitude and correlates of acute mental health and AOD harms will be explored. Opportunities for addressing current gaps in evidence through the use of collaborative approaches and big data will also be discussed.
Dr Belinda Lloyd is Associate Professor of Addiction Studies at Monash University and Head of Research and Workforce Development at Turning Point, Eastern Health. She leads epidemiological projects involving alcohol and drug and mental health research focusing on prevention, risk behaviours, harms associated with alcohol and other drug use, and harm minimisation. In particular, her research involves maximizing the utility of big data, registries and longitudinal data to inform policy and practice. Belinda has worked in both government and academic settings, where she has coordinated numerous projects involving large data collections, analysis and interpretation. Belinda has three sons, aged 20, 17 and 15.