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This NAIDOC week Darling Downs Health reaffirmed its commitment to improving health outcomes and achieving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
After pausing in-person celebrations for a number of years, staff and communities are coming together to celebrate and reflect.
“We are committed to improving health outcomes and life expectancy parity of our First Nations people.” Darling Downs Health, Indigenous Health Director Ms Rica Lacey said.
Ms Lacey said this year’s NAIDOC theme of Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! was reflective of the work currently being undertaken by the health service.
“This year the Indigenous Health Team has been working in partnership with our prescribed stakeholders and communities to develop the First Nations Health Equity Strategy.
“This strategy will put Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices at the centre of how we design and deliver health care services.
“We talked and heard from our communities. We have a plan.
“And now is the time for action and the implementation of this plan.”
The Health Equity Strategy is currently being finalised for endorsement and prioritisation of projects.
Ms Lacey said the importance of working together with our communities has been especially important over the past few years.
“COVID-19 put a spotlight on the health and wellbeing of our First Nations’ communities.
“Darling Downs Health supported a First Nations COVID Response, which was fully led and implemented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Our Aboriginal Health Workers were on the frontline, vaccinating, testing, contact tracing, providing social and emotional support to families in isolation, and making sure households had essential items to get them through.”
NAIDOC celebrations are being held in several facilities across Darling Downs Health this week.