Benchmarque Group’s Post

Did you know? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face significant health disparities compared to the broader Australian population. This isn't just about individual choices. Social factors like access to healthy food, safe housing, education, and culturally safe healthcare play a huge role in these disparities. You can - be part of the solution: Collaborate locally: Search for 'Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service + your suburb'. Express your desire to learn about their needs and how you could potentially collaborate. In your practice: Consider offering pro-bono work or discounts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make your services more accessible. Learn and build: Connect with Indigenous health services for resources and education to bolster your cultural competency. For Southeast Queensland-based chiros, physios and dietitians, Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program Unit within Queensland Health is a good place to start. It's high time to #CloseTheGap. #IndigenousHealth #HealthEquity #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #nrw2024 #reconciliationweek #culturallyappropriatehealthcare #healthdisparitiesinaustralia

"By integrating the unique needs of indigenous populations into health policy frameworks and fostering genuine community participation, we can make strides towards equity and improved health outcomes for all." Read the latest blog in BMJ Leader https://lnkd.in/eHziK6Xb

VAHS is one of the ACCHOs delivering services within the 'Strengthening Lifelong Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing (Urgent Care Pathways)' program. Urgent Care Pathways aim to improve the health of Aboriginal people in Victoria by redirecting treatment for potentially preventable hospitalisations from mainstream hospitals to Community Control. Shifting demand from acute mainstream health services and hospitals to ACCHOs who deliver culturally responsive, prevention-focussed health care, is critical to reduce the number of Aboriginal people that present to hospitals for Potentially Preventable conditions. Below is a short video on benefits of having Aboriginal health and wellbeing in Aboriginal hands.  #SelfDetermination #AboriginalHealth #CommunityControl https://lnkd.in/gENuFXAs

VACCHO's submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission delves into the pervasive barriers hindering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities’ access to mainstream health services, with racism standing out as a formidable obstacle in recent decades. Read the article below #Yoorrook #yoorrookjusticecommission #racism #VACCHO #systemicracismisreal

In the context of National Reconciliation Week, the theme ‘Now more than ever’ highlights the significance of ongoing efforts and small, meaningful actions that contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation. Some practical things health workers can do to support #NRW24 and take the next step on their reconciliation journey are: ·      Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities to establish and nurture relationships to achieve authentic collaboration on health initiatives. ·      Involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from your local area in the co-design and co-delivery of on all health improvement projects by seeking their input and guidance throughout the life of the project. ·      Stratify organisational and project data to understand the experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander consumers, carers and staff. Examining data on specific populations can help identify whether positive health outcomes achieved are truly ‘improvement for all’. ·      Undertake cultural competency training to better understand the history, culture, and health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Ensure your health service is culturally safe and respectful by consulting with local Indigenous communities to create welcoming environments and services that encourage access and respect cultural beliefs and practices. ·      Design and deliver targeted health programs that specifically address the needs of Indigenous communities and are informed by Closing the Gap targets, including chronic disease management, mental health, and maternal and child health.

Localising Health Service There is much sense in this comment from Ian Powell. It is a fact that DHBs had much sense though delivery was highly uneven and helped by neither Ministerial nor Ministry capabilities. Similarly at a conceptual level the lifting of many functions to a national level while decentralising others to localities and Iwi-Maori partnerships had much sense. That suffered through inadequate preparation before launch, the repeat of Ministerial and Ministry failures, and massive funding pressure. We are where we are and it is very welcome to see some local government initiatives to fill a gap and make genuine improvement. I support these moves and the potential to take it further. But we must resolve the other issues from the past and get the right resources to local government to support success.

As we honour National Reconciliation Week, the ASMR stands united in our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. This year's theme, "Now More Than Ever," underscores the urgent need to address health disparities and promote Indigenous health and wellbeing.   Reconciliation is not just a week of reflection but a continuous journey. We acknowledge the enduring cultures, contributions, and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Their traditional knowledge and perspectives are invaluable to our medical research community.   Some ways the medical research community can support reconciliation: - Promoting and supporting Indigenous health research and researchers. - Ensuring our research practices respect and integrate Indigenous knowledge and cultural sensitivity. - Collaborating with Indigenous communities to address health inequities and develop effective, culturally appropriate healthcare solutions.   Now more than ever, we encourage everyone in the medical research community to engage, learn, and actively contribute to reconciliation efforts. By working together, we can pave the way for healthier futures for all Australians.   #NationalReconciliationWeek #NowMoreThanEver #ASMR #IndigenousHealth #EquityInResearch

In a new op-ed from Last Mile Health & Co-Impact, Marion Subah & Yasmin Madan write, "Universal health coverage demands that health systems are just and inclusive – yet this shouldn’t just apply to the patients we serve. We need just and inclusive work for women in the health workforce." Read more about lessons learned from Liberia's national community health worker program via FairPlanet: https://bit.ly/3OBLxcO

Supporting the randomly selected panels of citizens/residents/people, we also supported more focused deliberations, which are equally great. https://lnkd.in/gyJmvrMB

Providing culturally appropriate care for Indigenous Australians in the aged care sector is crucial for their well-being and dignity. This care respects cultural heritage, improves health outcomes, and fosters trust and engagement.   Culturally appropriate care for Indigenous Australians in aged care ensures their unique needs and heritage are honoured. By focusing on cultural competence, inclusive practises, community engagement, and holistic health approaches, the aged care sector can provide respectful and effective care for Indigenous elders. Achieving this requires commitment and collaboration but is essential for a more inclusive and equitable aged care system. How do you ensure you are providing culturually safe care for your residents? #AgedCare #RespectingIndigenousElders #CulturalCompetence