Aboriginal Health - Adelaide PHN

Aboriginal health is a key priority area for Adelaide PHN. We commission a range of programs and activities as part of our commitment to improving health outcomes and accessibility of primary health care for Aboriginal people.

We are working alongside the Aboriginal community to develop strategies to improve primary health care locally. We have done this via activities including community consultation and the establishment of an Aboriginal Community Advisory Council.

One strategy we are implementing involves the commissioning of services that are specialised and designed to respond to the health needs of Aboriginal people. Another strategy involves working towards building the capacity of mainstream primary health care providers. Examples of our work in this area include:

Commissioning cultural learning sessions for primary health care providers (find out more here)
Developing Aboriginal health focussed clinical pathways and information within HealthPathways South Australia
Promotion of MBS item numbers for services working with Aboriginal people

Providers can find relevant resources and links to support their delivery of culturally approporiate primary health care for Aboriginal people on this page. Explore more of our commissioned services responding to the health needs of Aboriginal people below.

Aboriginal health resources and links for primary health care providers

The above element represents consultation and accountability and is part of an artwork by Allan Sumner

Information for General Practitioners on Improving Access to Primary Health

Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Cultural Learning and Training for Primary Health Care Providers

Cultural Learning for Primary Health Providers (commissioned by Adelaide PHN)
RACGP's Cultural Awareness and Cultural Safety Training

Share Our Pride
Reconciliation Australia's online learning site

Centre for Cultural Competence
An online, accredited cultural competence course

Tafe SA Aboriginal Access Centre
Support for Aboriginal students

Garridja Aboriginal Cultural Consultancy

Linking Futures

GPex Learning and Growing Together
Introduction to Aboriginal health for registrars

Explore our commissioned services and programs focussed on improving the health of Aboriginal people

or explore all of our programs via our directory of programs and services page

Integrated Team Care - previously known as Closing the Gap Program

The Integrated Team Care program is delivered across three sites within the Adelaide region and supports Aboriginal people to better manage their chronic health conditions and increase access to medical specialists and allied health providers. The program works at the local level by engaging with community, health care providers and Aboriginal organisations. Each service delivery site includes care coordinators and Aboriginal outreach workers working closely together engaging with clients referred to the program.

Specialised Mental Health Support - for Aboriginal people

Adelaide PHN commissions Nunkuwarrin Yunti to deliver mental health services for Aboriginal people across the Adelaide region. Nunkuwarrin Yunti provides treatment across the severity spectrum (from mild through to more complex conditions). The ACT Centre is also funded by the PHN and provides a clinical therapy service for clients with more complex conditions. This service is embedded within the Aboriginal Community Connect service. A ‘one-stop’ service for those seeking help with drug/alcohol and other problems.

Substitutions Options Service - specialised AOD support for Aboriginal people

This program provides alcohol and other drug (AOD) case management services, health promotion, and outreach services for Aboriginal people undertaking drug substitution programs, and IV drug users using the Clean Needle Program. This program places emphasis on supporting Aboriginal people who are homeless or involved in the correctional systems. The program aims to promote a coordinated, holistic support for those seeking to undertake pharmacological-based treatment. Delivered by Nunkuwarrin Yunti, this is one of a suite of AOD services commissioned by Adelaide PHN for the Adelaide region.

Walking Together Wellbeing Program - AOD treatment service for Aboriginal people

This program provides comprehensive and culturally appropriate alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services for Aboriginal people in metropolitan Adelaide. Operating within a culturally based health, social and emotional wellbeing service , the program offers case management, care planning and coordination, brief intervention, narrative therapy, group therapy, post rehabilitation support and relapse prevention. The program can address complex AOD issues, including those with mental health co-morbidity.

Centacare Drug & Alcohol Service (CDAS)

CDAS provides Alcohol and other Drug (AOD) treatment, in home de-tox and counselling for people aged 10-30 years with complex health (including mental health) and social needs. CDAS also assists families and carers confronted with AOD issues. Targeted treatment services are available for people who identify as Aboriginal and/or as Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex, and/or Queer (LGBTIQ). This service provides outreach services across metropolitan Adelaide.

Community & Family Support Service (CaFSS) - Drug ARM

CaFSS is a 12 session alcohol and other drug treatment (AOD) program providing assessment, support, brief treatment interventions and appropriate referrals. Where there are barriers to visiting a Drug ARM office, CAFSS can provide outreach appointments. CAFSS is designed to support young people, Aboriginal and CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) populations, families and homeless people or those at risk of homelessness. CAFSS is one of a suite of AOD treatment services commissioned by Adelaide PHN in the Adelaide region.

Community Peer Support for Cancer Screening - a program for Aboriginal people

This project aims to increase participation in breast, bowel and well women’s screening for Aboriginal people, giving them a greater chance at preventing or surviving a cancer diagnosis. Cancer Council SA has been provided with funding to recruit, facilitate accredited training for, and support Community Ambassadors to deliver yarning circles across Adelaide. These circles aim to increase awareness of, and participation in, the free National Cancer Screening Programs.

Cultural Learning for Primary Health Care Providers

This program provides facilitated cultural learning sessions to a broad range of primary health care providers in the Adelaide region including GPs, allied health, pharmacy and general practice staff. Sessions explore topics including culturally safe practices, developing appropriate engagement skills, specific health priorities and standards relevant to the delivery of primary health care services for Aboriginal people. Delivered by Linking Futures and AOGP, this is one of a suite of Adelaide PHN’s commissioned services responding to the needs of local Aboriginal people.

HealthPathways South Australia: an online resource for GPs and health care providers

An online portal providing GPs and other health professionals with easy access to comprehensive, evidence-based assessment, management, service and referral information. Designed for use at point of care it is free and accessible anywhere, anytime. The program engages local GPs, hospital and community health professionals to develop pathways that support people’s journey in accessing the right care at the right time in the right place. Adelaide PHN partners with SA Health and Country SA PHN in the roll-out of this state-wide program.