MEDIA RELEASE - Closing the Gap
Unsung Health Heroes. Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes
General practice networks across the country are gearing up to apply their strengths to closing the gap in Indigenous health following the introduction of 90 Project Officers this year, supported by an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Outreach Workforce, to help tailor health services and access to health services, for indigenous populations.
During NAIDOC Week 2010, which is celebrating the quiet achievers amongst the Indigenous population, Eastern Ranges GP Association is keen for the local community to better understand its Closing the Gap program which will nurture unsung heroes in the health industry.
Eastern Ranges GP Association's CEO, Kristin Michaels, says it's our Indigenous Health workforce who will be the unsung heroes of the Indigenous health improvement movement underway across the country.
Ms Michaels says that this part of the Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health program is about tailoring health services for the specific needs of Indigenous communities. "Those needs vary depending on location, whether it is in rural or remote areas or an urban environment. The health needs of our Indigenous populations across the country cannot be addressed by simple policy processes, but rather through evidence-based, ground up programs like these which are being delivered by Eastern Ranges GP Association."
Accessing services and navigating the health system can often be intimidating for people. However, with the help of the Indigenous Health Workforce and with their understanding and trust within the health system, we look forward to building upon our achievements in Indigenous health positively, into the future. Eastern Ranges GP Association has the added advantage of staff member Melissa Lock, a young Aboriginal woman, who works in the role of Aboriginal Health Liaison Assistant on the Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Program. Ms Lock works closely with both the local Indigenous communities and local health agencies to encourage greater use and improved cultural safety of mainstream primary care services for Indigenous people in the region.
"The impact of the Indigenous Health Workforce on the local area cannot be underestimated because they will work with GPs to improve Indigenous peoples' access to general practice, co-ordinated care and specialist services. Our Indigenous population is most at risk from chronic illnesses, particularly preventable diseases like diabetes and the most appropriate model to care for these patients is in the primary care setting," Ms Michaels said.
The Australian Government has committed $1.6 billion to its Closing the Gap program, of which the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Project Officers, is one part. The creation of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Outreach Workers through the general practice networks is the next step in this program.
CONTACT: Kristin Michaels, CEO, Ph: 9871 1000
ISSUED: 09 July 2010