AOD Program

Alcohol & Other Drugs

In 2019, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experienced 23% of alcohol and other drug concerns, which was 1.4 times greater than nonindigenous Australians (17 % ). Tobacco usage was the most common factor contributing to the most illness burden for Indigenous peoples in Australia in 2018, accounting for 12 percent of the total disease burden. AOD Social Workers are working at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation in order to support the community, support in eradicating AOD issues by having autonomy over their decision by informed consents, and delivering culturally safe and appropriate services each and every time. Our team is following (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Drug Strategy 2014–2019) in order to support our community.

Overview Of The Strategy

Oodnadatta Visits

AOD Social Workers working alongside with multidisciplinary teams to mitigate alcohol and other drugs-related issues, social-emotional problems, grief and loss, mental health issues, social exclusions, gap, and marginalisation faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Oodnadatta. In Oodnadatta, AOD Social Workers visit fortnightly in order to provide AOD Treatment services to our clients, organise AOD Awareness Programs, brief interventions, AOD counselling, and home visits to clients.

Brief Interventions

Feedback

Reflective listening, providing feedbacks non-judgemental in a gentle way (“as standing in your shoes”)

Listen Active listening and identifying on which stages of change clients are?

Advise/Assist Sharing of information in regards to AOD which can assist clients to make a decision to change a mind however, it completely depends own clients as they can only make their own decisions.

Goals

What goals is your client prepared to accept? Cutting down? Stopping? Having someone care for the kids when they are using?

Strategies

Client finds out any strategy or not? Further treatment needed?

Mobile Clinic

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service has recently acquired a Mobile Clinic Van. Initially used for health promotion and to raise awareness for COVID testing and vaccinations, it is currently being used for Flu and COVID-19 vaccination purposes. The van has a built-in vaccine fridge, air-conditioning and an examination chair. It offers a private space for consultation on wheels. So next time you see the van, please say Hi!

Get Vaccinated

After Hours Mental Health Service

Umoona Tjutagku Health Services provides after hours mental health services to the Indigenous clients of Coober Pedy. After hours team includes a qualified Social Worker and an Aboriginal Health Worker. After hours team visit Coober Pedy hospital as well as the police station to help the clients who are in there. Services are provided by coordinating with hospital and SAPOL staff. Clients can access afterhours services by contacting afterhours workers over the below contact number.

Psychiatrist and Psychologist visits

To provide clinical help to the clients dealing with Mental Health issues we also provide Psychiatrist visits once a month. Clients are followed up based on Mental Health care plans done by GP. Clients also get services from a Psychologist who visits bi-monthly and helps people in Coober Pedy. Clients are always encouraged to come and have a yarn whenever they feel low or seek help. After hours team work closely with psychiatrist and psychologist, and follow up client. Help provided by psychiatrist and psychologist have had obvious effects on people and helped them recover and get back on track.