New booklet promotes a healthier future for Aboriginal Victorians
Minister for Health David Davis today launched a new booklet to help health services tackle chronic disease among Aboriginal Victorians and promote healthy living.
Visiting the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service in Fitzroy, Mr Davis said the Life is Health is Life booklet would make significant steps in closing the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians.
"This booklet is an evidence-based health promotion resource that contains information for health services working to improve the health and life expectancy of Aboriginal Victorians," Mr Davis said.
"It collates a vast range of stories and case studies on successful health promotion practices to increase the awareness and understanding of Aboriginal health services.
"People working to improve Aboriginal health in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, Community and Women's Health Services and Local Government can use these stories as a guide to develop their own healthy living programs.
"It includes many case studies about people making a difference to Aboriginal health such as Surfing Victoria's annual state-wide indigenous surfing carnival."
Mr Davis said the booklet has great potential to help Aboriginal Victorians lead a longer and healthier life.
"The booklet covers areas where significant health gains can be made, such as tobacco, physical activity, nutrition and food security, and alcohol," Mr Davis said.
"What is perhaps most valuable is that it doesn't just describe the problems, it identifies solutions and highlights actions proven to work in Victoria.
"It also reminds us of the importance of being guided by best practice principles when working with Victorian Aboriginal communities, including self-determination.
"The State Government delivered VicHealth $119,700 to develop the booklet."
Mr Davis said we are all aware that the health outcomes experienced by Aboriginal Victorians are not what they should be.
"The Baillieu Coalition Government is determined to work to change this and is committed to reducing the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians," Mr Davis said.
New booklet promotes a healthier future for Aboriginal Victorians 35.38 Kb
