NACCHO Aboriginal Health News Alert: Kidney disease early detection campaign

Kidney disease early detection campaign

Kidney Health Australia will formerly launch an awareness campaign, #nofilter, on Wedensday 2 September 2020. The campaign shows the reality of life on dialysis and urges people to understand the risk factors for kidney disease to they can take active steps to manage their kidney health, and prevent a life with no filter. While the campaign has a sombre message, it also offers hope because if caught early enough, the progression of kidney disease can be delayed on even halted.

To access Kidney Health Australia’s website click here.

Are you a F.A.S.T hero?

This year on National Stroke Week❤️ 31 August – 6 September 2020, the Stroke Foundation are celebrating everyday Australians who know and can recognise the signs of stroke. They are F.A.S.T. Heroes! Across Australia, F.A.S.T. Heroes can save lives, simply by knowing and recognising the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) signs of stroke and calling an ambulance immediately.

For more information click here.

Chronic Kidney Disease Management in Primary Care new edition

Kidney Health Australia have released the 4th edition of their handbook Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management in Primary Care. This handbook provides health services with guidance and clinical tips for detecting, managing, and referring patients with CKD.

CKD Management in Primary Care is produced by Kidney Health Australia’s Primary care education advisory committee (PEAK) and has been endorsed by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN), the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) (accepted clinical resource), and the Australian Primary healthcare Nurses Association (APNA).

To download the digital version of the 4th edition handbook here.

Aboriginal arm receiving dialysis.

Image source: newsGP – RACGP.

Getting Through This Together

The longevity of COVID-19 and the fatigue that many are experiencing, and the impact of uncertainty on people’s mental health and wellbeing is a reality for all Australians. Acknowledging that mental health is just as important as physical health, the Australian Government National Mental Health Commission has developed a Getting Through This Together (GTTT): Supporting our mental health during COVID-19 program. The GTTT program practical tips to stay connected and mentally well during this challenging time

To access information about the communication pack click here.

Greg Inglis' face & text 'I want people to know that they're not alone'

Greg Inglis opens up about mental health battles. Image source: ABC Australian Story.

 

COVID-19 ‘blame game’ not helpful to public safety

The mass media’s coverage of the pandemic health crisis carries an important responsibility to offer balanced messaging about COVID-19 and public behaviour, according to Flinders Univeristy public health researchers. While the initial media coverage was objective and generally authoritative, it has over time moved to apportion blame to particular groups and individual politicians. This can be harmful to rational, sensible debate which keeps a sound perspective on the situation and the need for a united front to overcome the pandemic.

To read the full article How the Media Places Responsibility for the COVID-19 Pandemic – An Australian Media Analysis click here.

Black Lives Matter protest in Brisbane - photo of the crowd, Aboriginal woman fist in air, Aboriginal flag on white t-shirt

Image source: SBS News.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan required

AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, has said a COVID-19 vaccination is likely to be the only way Australia will successfully be able to emerge from the Coronaviurs pandemic. The greatest challenge however is likely to be accessing enough doses of an approved vaccine for the whole population. Dr Khorshid says “We need to develop a plan for a TGA endorsed vaccine to be distributed to at risk groups first, particularly the aged and those with other health conidtions leaving them at increased risk.”

To red the AMA’s media release click here.

healthworker gloved hands injecting arm

Image source: scimex website.

Important information for victims of family violence

In times of crisis, incidences of family violence, in all communities, of all cultural backgrounds, often increases. Help is Here is an Australian Government national campaign to ensure all Australians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander communities, know where to go for help if they are at risk of or experiencing violence.

For more information on the Help is Here campaign, including access to a range of resources click here.

A crisis doesn't excuse abusive behaviour at home Help is Here campaign banner

Image source; Help is Here website.

WA – Broome

FT Regional Sexual Health Facilitator

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd (KAMS) is a well-established regional Aboriginal community controlled health service which provides centralised advocacy and resource support for 6 independent member services, as well as providing direct clinical services in a further 6 remote Aboriginal communities across the region.

KAMS has an opportunity for a Regional Sexual Health Facilitator to join their team in Broome, on a full-time fixed term contract basis until 30 June 2021.

To view a full position description click here.

VIC – Shepparton

FT Project Officer

Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd. have a vacancy with their Justice and Community Services area for a project officer to lead the development, planning, implementation and establishing of therapeutic wraparound support services and other initiatives related to family violence.

Applications close at 4:00 PM on Wednesday 16 September 2020. To view details of the position click here.