DR NAOMI HOUSTON Indigenous Health GP Advisor SHARON STOREN Indigenous Health Officer, Capital Health Network
Supporting primary care and the health of First Nations people in the ACT Canberra is Ngunnawal country. However, the
health service for young First Nations people
ACT region is home for many Aboriginal and Torres
(under 25 years) to improve social and emotional
Strait Islander peoples from different First Nations
wellbeing through one-on-one support.
communities across Australia, making up about
• Alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues — Canberra
1.8% of the ACT population. ACT’s Primary Health
Alliance of Harm Minimisation and Advocacy
Network Capital Health Network (CHN) is committed
(CAHMA) provides the Peer Treatment Support
to supporting the provision of culturally appropriate
Service to support clients to engage with
services to improve the health and wellbeing of
necessary AOD service providers, enhance health
First Nations people in the ACT.
literacy and access treatment. See case study.
Partnering for success Partnerships are key to effective health service delivery. CHN has partnered with a number of local organisations to support the health of First Nations people in the ACT. CHN funds local organisations through the National
CHN has also worked with local organisation, Coolamon Advisors, to co-design a Cultural Competency Framework to ensure collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members when planning, commissioning and evaluating programs and services.
Indigenous Australian’s Health Programme to
Cultural Awareness Training
support First Nations people with:
Coolamon Advisors also provides cultural awareness
• Chronic disease management — Grand Pacific
training for primary health care providers in the
Health and Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal
ACT, including service providers commissioned by
Health and Community Services deliver the
CHN and CHN staff.
Integrated Team Care Program which provides
‘The free training provides insights into strategies
care coordination services and funding for certain
for implementing a culturally safe health service
approved medical equipment.
including access (physical, financial, environmental,
• Mental health issues — Marathon Health delivers a culturally sensitive, evidence-based mental
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The Health Advocate • FEBRUARY 2021
cultural), improving interpersonal relationships and communication, and culturally appropriate
