This national Close the Gap Day in Australia, the Stroke Foundation has renewed its dedication to tackling health disparities affecting Indigenous people.
With this year's theme, 'Voyage to Voice: Treaty, Truth and Beyond,' the focus remains on progressing towards genuine reconciliation and narrowing the health divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Indigenous people suffer a disproportionate burden of stroke, striking them at a younger age. They are twice as prone to hospitalisation and mortality from stroke compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
The Stroke Foundation is vigorously striving to address this issue, marked by the completion of its Reconciliation Action Plan in 2023, a significant stride towards effecting change.
Stroke Foundation chief executive, Dr Lisa Murphy, says the foundation is determined to achieve better and equitable health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
"Our Reconciliation Action Plan aims to close the health gap that exists through recognising and addressing the specific challenges and health concerns that impact Indigenous Australians," she said.
"Our Reconciliation Action Plan aligns with community-driven approaches and amplifies Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and leadership."
Stroke Foundation is excited to release a podcast interview in partnership with North Eastern Public Health Unit and 3KND (Kool and Deadly), discussing various aspects of stroke and prevention.
The podcast will be available soon via their podcast page.
This initiative aims to amplify the importance of stroke education while sharing stories from the organisation's work thus far.
As part of its efforts to attain health equity, Stroke Foundation is also engaged in a Yarning project.
This initiative seeks to understand the stroke requirements within Indigenous communities.
It mirrors the foundation's dedication to forming strong partnerships, fostering self-determination and leadership, and tackling health disparities associated with stroke incidence and prevention.
"We are actively engaged in community consultations across Alice Springs, Rural New South Wales, and Rural Tasmanian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," Dr Murphy said.
"Our goal is to empower these communities by incorporating their insights, traditions, and leadership into the development of culturally safe stroke prevention resources."
In alignment with National Close the Gap Day (21 March), Stroke Foundation hosted an information session to delve into its significance, provide updates on the Close the Gap report, and share insights from the Yarning Project through a panel Q&A.
