Champions Program a boost for Aboriginal health
L-R: Ruth Monck, Ceinwen Gearon, Tracy Waddell, Dale Broderick and Daniella Brown
WA Country Health Service has inducted its first cohort of participants into a new Aboriginal Health Champions Program.
The new initiative is about identifying and engaging staff who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to provide respectful and culturally safe care.
The program aims to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal patients by increasing the cultural capabilities of the workforce and increasing engagement of Aboriginal consumers.
Program participants demonstrate an ongoing commitment to providing culturally safe care, working in a culturally responsive manner, and advocating strongly for Aboriginal people.
The program includes accessible promotion strategies, culturally-grounded processes, ongoing cultural learning and support, and feedback-driven program evaluation.
WA Country Health Service Chief Executive Jeff Moffet said the Aboriginal Health Champions Program will be a cornerstone initiative to drive organisational change towards improving Aboriginal health outcomes across country WA.
“These are the individuals who lead by example, live and breathe our core values, and positively influence their peers by showing stewardship and advocating for priority issues, as well as the rights, needs and voices of Aboriginal people,” Mr Moffet said.
“This program is all part of WA Country Health Service ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap on Aboriginal health outcomes.”
Director of Aboriginal Health Strategy Russell Simpson said the participants were nominated by Aboriginal staff, community members and consumers.
“This program is about ensuring Aboriginal voices are heard in healthcare services and settings right across country WA,” Mr Simpson said.
“It’s also about acknowledging the importance of engaging Aboriginal people in delivering culturally informed initiatives and improving how healthcare services are delivered in country WA.”