<aside> 💡 Community Health Organizations

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1. Briefly describe the range of common community health services available in Australia and internationally.

   

   • Community Health Organization

     • Organisation working in any health-related field
     • Range of funding sources (commonwealth, state, philanthropic grants/donations)
     • From small, grassroots to large organizations
     • Broad, dynamic sector aimed at improving population’s health

   • Community Health organizations ARE NOT:

     • “Community Health” which is a government (federal, state, municipal) responsibility
     • Private “for profit”
     • Grey area: “social enterprises” SOME allied health services: life tech, World Wellness Group

   • Community Health Organizations operate across the spectrum of health

     • Health Promotion
     • Disease Prevention
     • Acute Clinical Care
     • Chronic Clinical Care
     • Rehabilitation
     • Palliation

   • Who do Community Health Organizations Serve?

     • Communities of place ex. Charters Towns Neighbourhood Centre
     • Communities of interest ex. Respect inc.: Sex workers

   • Community Health Organizations focus:

     • On a community issue/concern
     • Addresses disadvantages
     • Promotes community wellbeing and connection

     

2. Outline how these community health organisations fit into the health system.

   • Value of community health organizations
     • Vital role in community wellbeing
     • 5% of GDP
     • 8% of annual employment (919,000 staff, 2 million volunteers)
   • Volunteering and Health
     • Strengthens community connectedness/social cohesion
     • Provides meaning, purpose and satisfaction in people's lives
     • Stronger social ties, trust
     • Community safety ex. reduced crime
     • Health and wellbeing benefits: reduced stress, better physical and mental health, greater longevity
   • Issues for the community sector
     • Availability of federal, state and local funding has huge impact
     • Demand growing
     • Governance: volunteer boards, expertise, time
     • Networking: avoid duplication of services, but competitive environment
     • Staffing retention, lower than average wages, high workload, specialized skills
     • Local relevance vs. national impact smaller local NGO missing out on tenders, can provide contextually relevant services
   • Why do doctors need to know about community health organisations?
     • Expertise that doctors don’t have (domestic violence, drugs/alcohol, social support)
     • Referral necessary to best address chronic conditions
     • Emergency crisis support
     • May be the only option for some
   • Research shows that people want doctors to know about community health organizations:
     • Where to access
     • Provide health and parenting education
     • Know about drug/alcohol education
     • Use available services
     • Be prepared to lobby government to change local policies affecting ATSI
   • Why are medical professionals likely to work closer with community health organisations in the next 20 yrs?
     • Increasing prevalence of chronic conditions
     • Aging population
     • Demand for in-home community care
     • Funding constraints (in-home/community care more effective than hospital)
     • Growth of community/philanthropic sector
   • Feedback from 2019 Rural placement
     • Most of the community had preventable health issues (obesity, diabetes, COPD)
     • People lack health education/motivation: don’t want to quit smoking

3. Describe how medical professionals work with these services in primary health care and tertiary health care settings.

   • Roles of community health organizations
     • Service provision
       • Provide direct services across health system and community, on behalf of the government
       • Sometimes are the only service
       • Examples:
         • Residential Aged Care (50% of providers)
         • Royal Flying Doctor Services
         • ATSI Community Controlled health Services
         • Australian Red Cross
         • National Disability Insurance Scheme (funding based on need)
     • Support
       • Personal
       • Emotional
       • Social
       • Psychological
       • Practical support
       • Examples
         • Umbrella Network (range of services for families with disable children)
         • Information sharing, support groups, drop in cafes
         • Support Groups
           • People meet to share experiences
           • Facilitated by professional/volunteer
           • Place to give/receive emotional and practical support, exchange information
       • Mental health
       • Drug and Alcohol (Alcoholics Anonymous: daily)
       • Virtual: Hello Sunday morning
     • Advocacy
     • Policy
     • Education and Awareness
     • Research
     • Multiple Roles

4. Gain experience researching support options available through community health organisations