Media Centre

Free health checks for local Indigenous community

Publish Date: 15/05/2009
Author: Marketing & Communications Dept.

Baptcare will assist with free health checks to the Indigenous community in Broadmeadows, until the end of June.

The health checks are designed to provide participants with a general health evaluation, including a blood pressure test and a check for diabetes, as well as free information on health and wellbeing strategies.

The health checks are vital to Aboriginal communities, where many experience poverty and unemployment, poor health and often a weaker sense of self-esteem and social wellbeing. A large portion also encounter family violence and substance abuse.

“We are pleased to be able to provide some type of relief to the Indigenous community who have unmet health needs. Indigenous communities are plagued with many social and health issues and Baptcare is grateful to be able to enhance their overall wellbeing,” Baptcare’s Chief Executive, Mr Jeff Davey said.

Baptcare’s Registered Division 1 Nurse, Melinda Emeagi, is managing the program and is excited by the new opportunity.

“It’s exciting to be able to further extend our care services to individuals that are disconnected from mainstream health networks and experience poor health. They also require encouragement and support. “These types of services are essential to the Indigenous population and without such assistance, many would rely on mainstream services, which the majority do not feel confident to approach or are unaware of how to,” Ms Emeagi said.

Facilitated by the ‘Access and Equity’ project through St Vincent de Paul Housing Services, the health checks are available every Tuesday between 10am–1pm at Enmaraleek Aboriginal Association, 9 Central Grove, Broadmeadows. For further information, please contact Melinda Emeagi on 9385 6565.