Plan to close the health gap

By Kath Gannaway
A PLAN which aims to even the gap between life expectancy of Aboriginal people in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and their non-indigenous peers, was launched in Healesville on Friday.
Health Minister Daniel Andrews and Seymour MP Ben Hardman launched the $2.7 million Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne Closing the Gap in Aboriginal Health Plan before a large gathering of health service providers, local council representatives and members of Indigenous communities.
The launch began with a welcome by Wurundjeri elder Doreen Garvey and a traditional smoking ceremony at The Meeting Place.
Mr Andrews said the State Government was committed to closing the life-expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians.
“The plan was developed with local Aboriginal communities and services and is another step forward in boosting access to high-quality health care and prevention programs for Aboriginal people in Melbourne’s east,” he said.
The plan covers seven local government areas including Yarra Ranges.
He said it was part of an overall package to tackle the chronic disease and unhealthy activities that led to poor health and reduced length of life in Aboriginal people.
“The key local objectives include boosting support for young people and reversing the trend for Aboriginal people to only access health services when they are very, very sick,” he said.
Among the programs being funded are $500,000 for culturally-appropriate mental health services for young people, $382,000 to teach cultural sensitivity in health and general practice.
And $197,400 to support the development of a young people’s Belonging Place in Healesville and $180,000 to support partnerships aimed at reducing the health impacts of poverty, school retention, poor housing and family violence.