The North West Hospital and Health Service joined with key stakeholders Gidgee Healing and Headspace to commemorate National Close the Gap Day on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is a Day to pledge support for achieving Indigenous health equality by 2030.
The event was held in the foyer of the Mount Isa Hospital offering free health information on a range of health-related issues such as smoking in pregnancy and sexual health, and an opportunity to meet with different health professionals.
A speech therapist, podiatrist, physiotherapist and an occupational health professional were present along with many other health professionals.
NWHHS Director of Cultural Capability and Engagement, Christine Mann said every year they mark Close the Gap Day and this year the theme was Our Health, Our Voice, Our Choice.
"It's to raise awareness, engage with people and allow them to see and meet the faces of the clinicians who would be supporting them in their health journey," Ms Mann said.
"There is still a gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes and the rest of Australia's health outcomes."
"For example in rural and remote regions smoking in pregnancy is an issue," she said.
There is still a gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes and the rest of Australia's health outcomes.
- NWHHS Director of Cultural Capability and Engagement, Christine Mann
Senior Prevention Officer of the Office of the Director of Mental Health James Cripps said they were providing information about the barriers to smoking cessation but also having real conversations with people.
'It's a two-way street. I've been hearing about people's attempts, where they have failed and where they have done really well.
"All of this can be pulled together to help support others to quit," he said.
Indigenous Artist Neville Murphy was also at the Close the Gap Day event with a display of his authentic Aboriginal paintings.
The Close the Gap strategy launched in 2008, aimed to achieve health and education equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by 2030.
NWHHS Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Service offers a range of free services which are confidential.
They are located in Mount Isa, Doomadgee, Normanton and Mornington Island.
To enquire call 47 44 9100 (Mount Isa).
While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email delivered to your inbox at 6am every Friday.
