Nominate an Aboriginal Health Champion

WA Country Health Service is introducing the Aboriginal Health Champions Program (AHCP) - a new workforce initiative to recognise commitment to culturally safe care and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.

The AHCP aims to promote and encourage culturally responsive care for Aboriginal patients, and reduce the health disparities between Aboriginal people and the broader population.

One of our core values is equity and we are passionate about ensuring fairness in healthcare for all Western Australians, especially the most disadvantaged people and communities.

These champions lead by example, positively influence their peers by advocating for the rights, needs, and voices of Aboriginal people and communities throughout regional WA.

Executive Director Aboriginal Health Strategy Paula Chatfield said the program’s implementation is an important part of delivering culturally responsive services to country communities.

“As well as modelling and encouraging culturally responsive behaviours in daily practice, Aboriginal Health Champions will be responsible for identifying and supporting initiatives to reduce the impact of barriers to equitable care.

“By building up the skills, knowledge, and behaviour of our non-Aboriginal workforce to be culturally responsive, the program aims to achieve effective and sustainable changes in the way our organisation delivers services,” she added.

“It aims to increase Aboriginal patients’ engagement in treatment, improve satisfaction with care, and enhance the recovery journey.”

Nominate here.