A holistic wellness program and intervention and prevention-based approach, building on the existing Diabetes Management and Care Program and expanded to incorporate activities for better health outcomes in the Indigenous communities. It involved the design, development, management, and promotion of health outcomes, lifestyle and wellness in Aboriginal communities.
What We Did
UFPA established clear targets for change and comprised a range of activities including, regular community-based health assessments such as weight/height measuring, blood pressure readings, eye checks, tests for glucose, HbA1C, cholesterol and lipids. Results from the health assessments were provided to individual participants and communities as part of the QAAMS (Quality Assurance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Services) Point-of-Care testing. Participants had the opportunity to understand and discuss their results with the team of medical experts, including doctors, nurses and diabetes educators. Final results are conveyed to the local community and local medical service/clinic.
Improved access to primary health care, including dental services. Cooking classes and nutrition programs such as the school breakfast and community store programs, physical fitness, exercise and various skills development programs.
The framework incorporated the following programs and services as part of our holistic approach to Indigenous health and wellbeing.
Programs
Diabetes Management and Wellness Program
Nutrition/Dietary Program (community groups)
Breakfast Program
Elders Program
Edible Garden Program
Motivation Workshops
Health strategy sessions and incentive sessions involving all community members
Services
Diabetes education (one to one)
Training of local Cultural Carers
Health information sessions
Dental Care
Community-Based Health Assessments
Eye Assessments
Where possible, UFPA linked with other Primary Health Providers in the communities and
region, to limit duplication and enhance the value add of our programs and services, to the
community