News from the Clinic
Nurses have been busy with working in the clinic, assisting the locum doctors, visiting midwife, and keeping the children's immunisations up to date. During this time, we said goodbye to EN Larmis and RN Jing, and welcomed back RNs Petrea and Stef, who have been at the clinic before. This month, Jing returned to give us a helping hand. We thank all the nurses who come and go.
Success stories:
Last few months, the clinic treated several different wounds, from boils to septic lacerations, but the most successful story is of diabetic foot that for months had been breaking down after multiple attempts to heal. This month, after daily treatment, the foot has finally been healed and requires only weekly reviews to maintain in a healthy state.
Health Checks:
Don’t forget to get your health checks done for this year. Our lovely Health workers and Nurses are ready to do the health checks and you can have $30 vouchers to spend.
Flu season:
Once again, the Flu season is upon us in the community. Umoona staff have had their flu shots already for this year. The clinic has lots of this year's vaccine on hand, so to stay strong, come and get your flu vaccination today.
Having your Flu shots is a great way of protecting you and your family from the Flu sickness.
WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY
World Social Work Day takes place on the 19 March 2024. The theme is 'Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change', which emphasizes the need for social workers to adopt innovative, community-led approaches that are grounded in indigenous wisdom and harmonious coexistence with nature. The day aims to highlight the achievements of social work, to raise more awareness about social services and their importance in making this world a better place. Social works aim to fight for the rights and justice of people, something which is very important in today's world. Social workers spend their dayshelping people with alcohol and other substance abuses, complicated psychological, health, social, or financial problems. DAS social workers assist families in need and people who are the victims of abuse. They provide counselling, advice, and direction for clients who would otherwise have no way of bettering their situations.
To celebrate the world social work day, DAS social workers and the DAS team conducted a community event on 19 March 2024 from 11.00am to 1.00 pm at wishing well area including health check-ups, Indigenous education campaign related to ICE workshop by NIAS and AOD social workers, Wellbeing check-ups by SEWB social worker. All the participants attended with BBQ session, healthy food, and refreshments. There were 53 clients participated the program, a nurse from the clinic and Aboriginal Health Workers supported to success the health check ups and completed approximately 20 ASTI checks during the program. This community event was educational and beneficial for the community because clients engaged with social workers, nurse, and Aboriginal Health Workers during the event which was successful event on World Social Work Day.
National Close the Gap Day
Close the Gap Day was introduced in 2007 as a joint effort by Australia's leading public health organizations and agencies, featuring Olympians Ian Thorpe and Cathy Freeman as the event's featured speakers. The initiative draws attention to the poor health and dearth of resources experienced by many Australian indigenous tribes. With a life expectancy 10–17 years lower than that of non-indigenous Australians, the Close the Gap initiative aims to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Apart from the availability of healthcare, the well-being of indigenous communities is influenced by various otherfactors such as poverty, education, and employment.
DAS NIAS and AOD social workers conducted National Close the Gap Day on Thursday 21 March 2024. National Close the Gap Day advocates for health equity of Australia's Indigenous people and educating the public about the health issues and barriers to well being faced by them. This Close the Gap Day event conducted at Oodnadatta on 21 March 2024 from 11.30 am to 1.30 am and event was dedicated to fostering inclusivity and advocating for a healthier, more equitable world. The event included yarning circle about the health issues, methamphetamine addiction in the first nation communities and barriers to well-being faced by Australia’s indigenous people; and food and refreshments provided.
"Roots of Resilience: Empowering Aboriginal Women through the Tree of Life"
(Social Emotional Wellbeing program)
In a world where the voices and experiences of women often go unheard, programs that prioritize their empowerment and self expression are invaluable. Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, Drug and Alcohol service recently hosted a remarkable event on March 5, 2024, cantered around Narrative Therapy's "Tree of Life" activity, aimed at fostering resilience and empowerment among women.
Narrative Therapy, a therapeutic approach that emphasizes individuals as the authors of their own stories, provided the framework for this transformative event. The "Tree of Life" activity, a cornerstone of Narrative Therapy, encourages participants to map out their personal histories, strengths, and aspirations in the form of a tree—a symbol deeply rooted in cultures worldwide, representing growth, strength, and interconnectedness.
At UTHSAC, this activity served as a catalyst for women to explore their identities, experiences, and the diverse roots that shape their lives. Through guided exercise and discussions, participants delved into their past experiences, acknowledging the challenges they've faced while recognizing the resilience and strengths that have sustained them.
The Tree of Life activity didn't just focus on individual stories; it also highlighted the collective strength and support found within communities. Participants shared stories of solidarity, sisterhood, and shared struggles, reinforcing the idea that they're not alone in their journey.
At UTHSAC, this activity served as a catalyst for women to explore their identities, experiences, and the diverse roots that shape their lives. Through guided exercise and discussions, participants delved into their past experiences, acknowledging the challenges they've faced while recognizing the resilience and strengths that have sustained them.
The Tree of Life activity didn't just focus on individual stories; it also highlighted the collective strength and support found within communities. Participants shared stories of solidarity, sisterhood, and shared struggles, reinforcing the idea that they're not alone in their journey.
Moreover, the event provided a safe and nurturing space for women to voice their hopes and dreams for the future. As they adorned their "trees" with leaves representing their aspirations, a sense of optimism and possibility filled the room.
By the end of the program, the Tree of Life had blossomed into a vibrant symbol of resilience, growth, and empowerment. Women left the event with a renewed sense of self-worth, strengthened connections with their peers, and a deeperunderstanding of the power of their own narratives.
The success of UTHSAC Drug and Alcohol service's women's program demonstrates the transformative potential of Narrative Therapy and the Tree of Life activity. By providing a platform for women to share their stories, validate their experiences, and envision a brighter future, programs like these play a crucial role in fostering empowerment and resilience within communities. As we continue to nurture such initiatives, we move closer to a world where every woman's voice is heard and celebrated.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Inform, educate, perform, model and lead to ensure diversity is reflected throughout UTHSAC.
Create & sustain an environment that actively embraces diversity and inclusion by recognising value in the uniqueness
Hold all people associated to UTHSAC accountable for their actions and decisions impacting the achievements of UTHSAC
Utilise the success in diversity to assist UTHSAC becoming a provider and the employer of choice as we lead our communi-
Innovative, responsive and culturally appropriate health services are accessible to Aboriginal people living in the Coober Pedy and surrounding region.
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide a holistic health care service that achieves positive health outcomes through primary health care intervention as
