Aboriginal Support Team for our Community during COVID-19
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Aboriginal Support Team for our Community during COVID-19

 

Acknowledgement of Country

SESLHD Public Health Unit acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land. We support and respect the survival of this proud culture and are committed to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. We would like to pay our respect to Elders of the past, present and future generations and extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

About the Aboriginal Support Team

About the Aboriginal Support Team The Aboriginal Support Team provides cultural support for our mob, when dealing with outbreaks of infectious diseases that are affecting our communities, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Aboriginal Health Workers in the team also support the staff at the Public Health Unit to communicate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. Why was the role developed? The role was developed in 2020 during the start of the COVID -19 pandemic. Due to factors like higher rates of chronic health problems, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at a higher risk from sickness,, hospitalisation and in some cases death from infectious diseases such as COVID-19. What is the goal for the Aboriginal Support Team? To help the District’s response in assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, whilst dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and any future outbreak of diseases. The Aboriginal Support Team and the PHU work together with the aim of achieving better health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

What services can the Aboriginal Support Team offer?

The Aboriginal Support Team helps provide important information to help keep the mob safe, how to be protected with vaccinations and recover from infectious diseases The Aboriginal Support Team work closely with other staff at the PHU and can help with referrals for extra support when needed. You can also contact the Aboriginal Support Team to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about infectious diseases like COVID-19, especially if you need help with understanding isolation requirements, referrals for a social worker or other support.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that can make you very sick. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can be at a higher risk of catching this virus because it can spread easily between family members. It can be very serious for some people – especially people with other health conditions.   

Vaccination: The COVID-19 vaccination and boosters help keep our mob safe. Everyone aged 5 years and over can get vaccinated. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations provides the best way of protecting your family.   

    Antiviral treatments: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are able to receive antiviral treatments to help recover from COVID-19 (from age 35 years and over) or flu infections (any age).  Antivirals are medicines that can help stop a virus from infecting healthy cells or multiplying in the body.  They work best when taken as soon as possible after your symptoms start.  Please book an appointment with your doctor to have a yarn about these treatments. 

    For more information about COVID-19 and vaccination click on the links below or go to the Immunisation information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people page 

    How to contact the Aboriginal Support Team

    For enquiries, you can call us on 0439 413 094 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays). Please leave a voice message if calling outside of these hours and a staff member will respond to you the following business day.  Or you can call the Public Health Unit on 9382 8333 (option 1). 

    You can also email us - the inbox is monitored Monday to Friday during business hours. 

    Aboriginal Support Team Resources

    Coronavirus (COVID-19) & our community poster: printable version here

     

    Coronavirus (COVID-19) & our community #KeepOurMobSafe poster: printable version here

     

    Aboriginal Health Resources

    For information on other infectious diseases and health alerts please visit: 

    More information about Health and Aboriginal Support Services

    SESLHD Aboriginal Immunisation - https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/directory/public-health/immunisation/immunisation-information-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people 

    SESLHD Aboriginal Health workers - https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/directory/aboriginal-health-unit/aboriginal-health-contacts 

    Healthdirect – 1800 022 222 - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ 

    National COVID line - https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/national-coronavirus-helpline 

    13 Yarn - https://www.13yarn.org.au/