A taxometric exploration of alcohol and cannabis problems in a community sample.

270 to develop and maintain networks of nontraditional service providers to compensate for this lack of access; however, many agencies are unaware of each others’ roles in maintaining the health of the community. A novel method of building and evaluating mental health service networks was trailed in rural New South Wales. Methods: Workshops providing education and support for agencies involved in providing services to rural communities were held in 12 locations. Participants’ knowledge of mental health issues and the role of other support agencies, and their confi dence in using this knowledge, were evaluated by preand postworkshop surveys. A new method of evaluating existing network strength and effi cacy, using structured key informant interviews and network analysis methods, was trailed in several locations. Local service networks were reevaluated following the workshops to determine the extent, direction and determinants of network change. Results: About 96 workshop participants completed preand postworkshop surveys. Signifi cant improvements in knowledge, confi dence and social distance were found. Local referral networks were successfully mapped and changes in local communities following the workshops were evaluated. Conclusions: Existing networks of service providers in rural communities have substantial capacity to act in nontraditional ways to improve the mental health of those communities. A relatively simple intervention, combined with ongoing support from local health agencies, can increase this capacity and the strength and effi ciency of networks.