Locals can now visit Aboriginal health workers at two local pharmacies as part of a year-long pilot program thanks to a $70,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
HealthWISE Aboriginal health workers Vicki Gardner, Mel Williams and Chris Southwell will be on hand at Tamworth’s Discount Drug Store on Mondays, 10am-2pm and Carter’s Pharmacy in Gunnedah on Wednesdays, 9am-2pm.
“We’re there to close gaps, to create a bridge between us, the pharmacy and the doctors,” said Ms Gardner.
She said Aboriginal people may not feel completely comfortable discussing medications or sharing personal information directly with a pharmacist. Bringing an Aboriginal health worker into the pharmacy means the space will be more culturally appropriate and safe.
Helmed by local non-profit HealthWISE, the pilot seeks to reduce cultural barriers to health care and has been made possible through Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation
“We are honoured to support HealthWISE in bringing this important service to the Tamworth and Gunnedah community,” said Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation director Paul Juergens.
“This initiative is set to enhance cultural understanding and sensitivity amongst pharmacy staff, which is key to improving engagement with the community.”
“Far beyond the initial 12-month pilot, we view our funding as an investment in the health of the local First Nations community for generations to come.”
Eagerly anticipating the program’s impact, Ms Southwell said she looks forward to ensuring Aboriginal people receive the quality health care they deserve.
“We will be acting as their advocate. Making sure they’re heard and that they feel welcome – in a safe space,” said Ms Williams.
In addition to discussing prescriptions and using medication correctly, the Aboriginal health workers will be able to provide blood pressure and blood glucose level tests and connect customers to local services.
“Linking them in with HealthWISE, linking them into other programs that may be around Tamworth or Gunnedah that they don’t know about but would be interested in, that would help create a healthier lifestyle for them,” said Ms Gardner.
Ms Gardner became an Aboriginal health worker to help her community; inspired by her experiences supporting her grandfather through cancer treatment and wishing she could do more for her grandmother.
She looks forward to seeing a variety of people at the pharmacy, especially those who don’t regularly visit the doctor, and is excited to reach people who might not usually seek help.
Taking the time to explain medical conditions thoroughly is key according to Ms Southwell, ensuring clarity and reducing stress. While the language used in health diagnoses and treatment may be new, she believes people who are informed are better equipped to manage new and existing diagnoses.
Ms Williams is deeply committed to culturally safe practice, rooted in the respect she learned from her upbringing. Driven by a desire to reach under-resourced populations, she said she strives to help those who are less visible in the community feel acknowledged, heard and assisted.
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