Newsletter - December 2023

December 2023 ISSUE 40

NEWSLETTER UMOONA TJUTAGKU WANGKA

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Men’s

Clinic

SEWB

Program

Calendar

Program

UMOONA TJUTAGKU HEALTH SERVICE ABORIGINAL CORPORATION A: PO Box 166, Lot 08 Umoona Road Coober Pedy SA Phone: (08) 8672 5255 W: www.uths.com.au

Fax: (08) 8672 3349

Medical: reception@uths.com.au

Content CEO Welcome

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Drug & Alcohol Men’s Program

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Drug & Alcohol AOD Programs

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Drug & Alcohol NIAS Programs

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Success Stories

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Clinic Calendar

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Social Emotional Wellbeing Program

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Diversity Statement

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CEO WELCOME As we approach the festive season, it's important to prioritize our health and well-being. While Christmas is a time for celebration and joy, it's also a time when stress levels can skyrocket. With the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, it's easy to neglect our own health. That's why we want to remind everyone to take care of themselves during this time.

First and foremost, we would like to wish everyone a safe and joyful Christmas. We hope that you are surrounded by loved ones and that you find moments of peace and happiness throughout the holiday season.

We also want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our team. Their ongoing dedication to providing top-notch care is evident in their commitment to continuous training and staying updated with the latest information and certifications. Despite the challenges of the past year, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that our services remain of the highest quality.

However, it's important to note that limited services will be available over the Christmas period to ensure ongoing support. We encourage everyone to plan ahead and make sure they have enough medication in stock before leaving for the holidays. It's always better to be prepared and have peace of mind knowing that you have everything you need to stay healthy.

In light of recent reports showing a rise in COVID-19 cases across Australia since November, we urge everyone to stay vigilant over this festive season. While many have received booster shots, it's important to continue seeking regular health check-ups and follow the recommended guidelines to protect yourself and others.

We understand that the holiday season can be a time of indulgence, but it's important to remember to take care of our bodies. Make sure to prioritize healthy eating, exercise, and get enough rest to maintain your overall well-being.

Lastly, we want to express our gratitude for your ongoing support.

We appreciate each and every one of you and look forward to

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UTHS MEN’S PITSTOP PROGRAM Men’s Pit Stop program conducted on 16 November at the Activities room in DAS. Talking about health issues or going for a check-up is not common amongst men, so the Pit Stop program uses the parts of a racing car as accessible metaphors to discuss men’s health issues. The event comprised of several ‘check points’ that assessed the health of attendees. This included: •

Oil pressure (blood pressure)

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Chassis (waist measurement)

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Fuel additives (alcohol intake)

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Exhaust pipe (smoking)

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Spark plugs (testicular cancer)

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Extractor (bowel cancer)

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Duco (skin check)

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Shock absorbers (mental health and wellbeing)

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Fuel system (nutrition)

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Roadworthiness (general health)

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service, held the Pit stop program on 16th November 2023 at Drug and Alcohol center from 05.30 pm to 7.30 pm with a BBQ session.

During the program Dr. Michael Nugent was able to explain participants that how to recognize if someone needs help and what you should do in emergency situation. (Example – Someone fainted in front of you or someone due to health condition) We had 10 male clients for the program getting their blood and urine checked by Aboriginal Health workers and Clients were able to see the doctor during the program. AOD Social Workers, NIAS Social Worker and SEWB Social Worker conducted presentation during the program

This Program was educational and beneficial for the participants because clients engage very vocally with social workers and the doctor.

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How AOD Social Workers help in changing the community 'Stages of Change’ A common model that can be useful to understand and assist with behavior change, is: 'Stages of Change’, that suppose a person who is misusing substance may not be ready to change.

Major behavior changes take time to be achieved and often involve the person going through a number stages of behavior change.

Most people who are trying to end an addiction or change a specific behaviour go through the various steps in the Stages of Change model many times before they are able to successfully end their addictive behaviour.

According to this model, the person should be prepared to change falls under one of the five stages of change, and may move back and forth at different stages, however relapse can occur at any time during progression through the stages. The Stages of Change model constructs change as a process involving progress through a series of five stages.

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Understanding what stage of change the person/client is in with regards to behaviour change is helpful in support intervention to suit that particular stage: 1. Assess whether the individual is prepared to change -This can be achieved having a

conversation with the person regarding their current behaviour and actions they have taken so far.

2. Motivational interviewing can be used to encourage - Individuals who are in pre-

contemplation stage, for instance, can be informed of the risks and consequences of continuing with their current activity. They should also be encouraged to discuss about their actions and how it impact on the significant others in their lives as well.

3. Observe their motivation – People who are in the contemplation stage should be en-

couraged to observe their motivation to engage in behaviour change and think about what the benefits would be.

4. Express their commitment in words - Individuals who are in the preparation stage

should be assisted in creating goals and action plans to get them started, as well as asked to publicly declare their intention to effect change both to themselves and to others.

Provide assistance and direction on self-management strategies - To reduce the chance of relapse, people in action or maintenance should get assistance and direction in self-management strategies, such as using rewards and support systems.

We are providing help in change by: 

Individual counselling sessions

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Group Counselling

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Yarning Circles

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Connecting to the Community and Culture

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Educational and Awareness Programs

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Relapse Prevention Strategies

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Connecting to Other services

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Referring to Rehabilitation Services 07

National Ice Action Strategy (NIAS) Advice and Educational programs The aim of the advice and educational programs are reducing the impacts of drug and alcohol-related harm for individuals, families and communities and improving life outcomes for First Nations people who live in Cooper Pedy, Oodnadatta and other neighbouring communities.

These programs are designed by NIAD team in UTHSAC to provide education about the risks and consequences could be faced by people by using methamphetamine and other drugs. Additionally, what are things they can do by themselves to make a change such as how to divert their minds to avoid cravings of smoking or injecting methamphetamine, what strategies could be used to avoid relapse after they stop or cut down substance use.

Recently NIAS social worker collaborated with the Men’s PIP’s program and conducted a successful discussion with the participants during the educational power point presentation as the topic on “Methamphetamine (ICE) symptoms, side effects, signs and treatments”. Another advice and educational group programs were successful using yarning circles method last six months. During the yarning circles clients shared their experiences and concerns which was the good example for positive clients engagement.

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Ice Workshop NIAS Social Worker conduct “ICE” workshops in the community for local community in Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta. This workshop is directly linked to the methamphetamine and other drugs education and awareness of the clients. In the meantime, respective officers can allocate their time to yarn with the client’s regarding their concerns which will support NIAS social worker and the supportive team to understand client’s needs and directions. Last six months NIAS Social worker and the DAS team conducted four Ice Workshops which were very successful.

During the Ice workshops NIAS social worker discussed about “How drug abuser’s behaviours affect themselves, their families and their community”, “Triggers for Substance use and coping strategies” and “Signs and symptoms of Meth Addiction and how to stop drug cravings” to gain client’s knowledge.

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Success story -NIAS Caroline (29 years) , was referred to the Drug & Alcohol Services (DAS) Centre by client’s mom and substance misuse worker (Oodnadatta) at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation due to her methamphetamine addiction.

Caroline has 4 children under DCP because of her methamphetamine addiction for 8 years

and domestic violence with ex-partner. Caroline did not consider her physical and mental health during this period, even did not consider her hygiene and sanitation. She was in Adelaide until January of 2023 and moved to Oodnadatta with her current partner and staying her mom's place when I met her during the Oodnadatta visit. During the first counselling session with the client, Caroline stated that she is worrying about her behaviour and meth addiction.

Caroline got to know about NIAS social worker from her mom and her two sisters (Currently, who are getting support from NIAS social worker due to addition of meth) and then decided to move to Oodnadatta with her partner Diego to away from methamphetamine users and the area they lived. Caroline stopped meth injecting after moving and looking for social worker support for relapse prevention.

Because of the methamphetamine addiction client couldn't sleep well, and she developed an eating disorder as well as a mental imbalance. Her addiction turned her entire life and which negatively impacted for her physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She struggled with both addiction and sadness. Caroline agreed to NIAS treatment on the advice of our NIAS social worker, and the experience was transformative. NIAS staff took the time to explain the internal and external programs to her. She'd been in DAS NIAS programs such as Ice workshops and counselling sessions form February 2023, and she'd also kept all of her psychiatrist and psychologist appointments on time.

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Also, NIAS social worker followed up the client regular basis through the phone contact, during the Oodnadatta visits before she moved to Coober Pedy with her partner to get more support from NIAS social worker and other DAS social workers.

Both Caroline and Diego started to worked on 12 weeks counselling sessions with NIAS social worker and they are still getting continues support from DAS social workers team. This was extremely beneficial to her understanding of how NIAS worker assist clients in overcoming their methamphetamine problems. In addition that Caroline and Diego needed to settle down in Coober Pedy and start to work as well as after starting 12 weeks plan.

NIAS staff primarily used Motivation Intervention and Narrative Therapy during their counselling sessions. Brief interventions, methamphetamine advice and education, and daily client follow-ups all played important roles in Both Caroline’s and Diego’s success journey. This includes not only the approaches used by NIAS worker, but also how optimistic they are about their clients and their lives, how they look forwards, and how they encourage their clients to enjoy each day as it comes. These were some of the positive key factors that influenced Caroline's later life. Caroline has been away from methamphetamine for a while now, and she understands why it is critical to avoid injecting methamphetamine. To pass the time, the client no longer requires methamphetamine. Both Caroline and Diego started to work on community job as part time basis, and it is encouraging to see that they are doing so. and she is pregnant now. She expecting to be a good mum. This is one of the most recent examples of how NIAS social worker helped our clients overcome their methamphetamine issues.

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Clinic Calendar December 2023 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI 1

SAT 2

GP

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

GP,

GP,

GP,

GP,

GP

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

Hepatologist

Hepatologist

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11

12

13

14

15

16

GP, Registrar

GP

GP

GP

GP

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18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

January 2024 SAT

6

SUN

7

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

1

2

3

4

5

8

9

10

11

12

15

16

17

18

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GP,

GP,

GP,

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

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23

24

Optometrist

Optometrist

Optometrist

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30

31

UTHSAC Opening

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27 12

14

21

28

25

26

February 2024 SUN

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11

18

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

1

2

(Endo), Dental Team, (Psychiatrist)

(Endo), Dental Team, (Psychiatrist)

(Endo), Dental Team, (Psychiatrist)

5

6

7

8

9

GP-Pvt

GP-Pvt

GP-Pvt

GP-Pvt

GP-Pvt

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13

14

15

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GP, Psychiatrist,

GP, Psychiatrist,

Dentist

Dentist

GP, Registrar, Psychiatrist,

GP, Registrar, Psychiatrist,

GP, Registrar, Psychiatrist,

Dentist

Dentist

Dentist

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21

22

23

26

27

28

29

Respiratory

Respiratory

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SAT 3

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17

24

Hearing

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Call 08 8672 5255 to book an appointment.

Between 8.30 am to 4.30pm (Monday to Friday) We are open this Christmas season.

20th December:

Office closes at 3:00 pm.

31st December:

Office closed – full day.

Public Holiday’s:

25th ,26th of December, 1st and 02nd January.

Feedback forms are available at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation Reception (At the main office & the DAS building) and our website: www.uths.com.au 13

"Umoona Tjutagku Health Service's Social-Emotional Wellbeing Program: Raising Awareness for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)" On October 5, 2023, Umoona Tjutagku Health Service's Drug and Alcohol Unit took a vital step in promoting awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) through its ground-breaking Social-Emotional Wellbeing Program.

FASD is a complex, often misunderstood condition that affects individuals exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.

This program not only supports those already impacted but also aims to prevent future cases. By offering education, workshops, and community events, it equips families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with essential knowledge about FASD. Umoona Tjutagku Health Service's commitment to raising awareness is a beacon of hope for those affected by FASD, reducing stigma, and fostering compassion. Together, we can build a more informed, empathetic society that stands beside those with FASD. Join us in this mission to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

The objectives for the Social Emotional Wellbeing Program aimed at promoting awareness related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) by Umoona Tjutagku Health Service's Drug and Alcohol Unit on October 5, 2023, may include: Education and Awareness: To raise awareness about FASD within the community, emphasizing its causes, effects, and prevalence.

Prevention: To educate women of childbearing age and their support networks about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and promote healthy behaviors.

Early Identification: To facilitate early identification and diagnosis of FASD through training for healthcare professionals and educators.

Support for Affected Individuals: To provide a support network for individuals and families affected by FASD, offering counselling, resources, and guidance.

Reducing Stigma: To combat the stigma associated with FASD by promoting understanding and empathy within the community.

Research and Data Collection: To collect data on the prevalence of FASD in the community and use this information to inform future prevention and support strategies.

Long-Term Impact: To ensure the sustainability of awareness efforts beyond the program's initial implementation, creating a lasting impact on the community's knowledge and attitudes toward FASD. Evaluation: To regularly assess the program's effectiveness in achieving its objectives and make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.

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DIVERSITY STATEMENT Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (UTHSAC) will strive to: 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 of all individuals Hold all people associated to UTHSAC accountable for their actions and decisions impacting the achievements of UTHSAC Diversity mission statement.

Utilise the success in diversity to assist UTHSAC becoming a provider and the employer of choice as we lead our community to improve health We respect all our Community and all who walk through our doors and expect the same in return from Community Members and Clients

VISION STATEMENT 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 well as safer communities through prevention and education.

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Christmas Break Hey All On behalf of Umoona Tjutagku CEO, staff and Board we would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

During this time if you have cold like symptoms please call the main office and let the health worker know of your symptoms and concerns. Please stay home and isolate until nurse and health worker visit you to do a COVID test.

If you require anything else from the clinic please call the clinic first.

Please stay safe during the Christmas Break see you all next year.

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