Capital Health Network

Coolamon Advisors provided Cultural Awareness Training for primary health care providers in the ACT, services commissioned by CHN and CHN staff. Over 65 primary health care professionals and 29 Commissioned Service professionals working in mental health and AOD were trained prior to COVID-19, with ongoing bi-annual training planned.

This training is supported by the CHN Indigenous Health Team which delivers in-practice education to improve the capacity of primary health care services to provide culturally safe environments and care for First Nations people, and to improve understanding and utilisation of Government initiatives by health care providers to help close the gap. CHN delivered 715 health check resource packs to 81 practices, with 109 Indigenous Health Resources packs provided to primary health care professionals. The past five years has shown a 22% increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT who received a Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) item 715 health check for physical, psychological and social wellbeing. In 2019, 1,730 people received a 715 health check.

The Indigenous Health Team, in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Partnerships – ACT Health, co-designed a COVID-19 flyer to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the ACT.