A new community-led campaign is encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people across NSW to have regular health checks to stay healthy and strong for themselves, their families and their communities.
Developed by Aboriginal Medical Services across NSW in partnership with the Cancer Institute NSW, the Check in For Kin campaign encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make time for their health and wellbeing by booking their free 715 Aboriginal Health Check.
Available for free through Aboriginal Medical Services and many bulk-billing GP clinics, an annual 715 Aboriginal Health Check can play an important role in improving health outcomes, by preventing and detecting cancer and other chronic conditions.
The checks provide an opportunity to talk about physical health, social and emotional wellbeing, family health history and ways to stay healthy and can include hearing and vision checks, as well as vaccinations and cancer screening.
The campaign will feature a statewide video and three videos created by Orange, Coomealla and Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Services, encouraging communities to Check in For Kin for themselves and their families.
The campaign aims to strengthen connections to culturally safe healthcare and support services and improve cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 2.1 times more likely to die from the disease than the wider population.
The campaign was launched today on Worimi Country at the Gudida Well-Being Precinct at the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival in Raymond Terrace, one of the most highly anticipated gatherings of Aboriginal people in NSW.
Community members can also access information about preventative health checks and speak with cancer prevention and screening representatives. Services available at the precinct include free breast screening, cervical screening, health clinics and more.
Check In for Kin is one of a range of Cancer Institute NSW initiatives aimed at reducing inequities in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal people as part of the NSW Aboriginal Cancer Strategy: Caring for Kin and Country.
Other initiatives include lowering the recommended age for Aboriginal women to start breast screening to 40 years, delivering tailored cancer prevention campaigns and supporting the Aboriginal cancer care workforce within Local Health Districts and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
For more information about the Check In for Kin campaign and to watch campaign videos visit: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/check-in-for-kin
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The cancer care gap experienced by Aboriginal people in NSW requires urgent action to improve prevention, early detection and access to culturally safe healthcare.
"Check In for Kin is an important initiative that encourages Aboriginal people to access care earlier and build healthier futures for themselves, their families and their communities."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Medical Research David Harris:
"Aboriginal people bring invaluable knowledge, experience and insight into the health needs of their communities, which is why Check In for Kin has been developed by community, with community and for community.
"This campaign has been shaped through partnership with Aboriginal Medical Services across NSW, helping ensure the information is culturally relevant, trusted and meaningful for the people it is designed to support and is a great example of Aboriginal organisations leading the way to closing the gap."
Quotes attributable to Closing the Gap Manager Orange Aboriginal Medical Service Adam Gollan:
"Orange Aboriginal Medical Service partnered with Cancer Institute NSW to develop the statewide Check in for Kin campaign to raise awareness of the value and importance of the 715 Aboriginal Health Check.
“It’s been an opportunity to connect with community, through our consultations, in a really meaningful way. Our locally made promotion video is very us, our mob, our community. We would not have been able to contribute to the extent we have, without their voice."
Quotes attributable to Acting Chief Executive Officer Cancer Institute NSW Prof Megan Varlow:
"Health checks can play an important role in preventing illness and identifying cancer and other chronic conditions as early as possible, when there are often more options for treatment and care.
"The campaign has been created in partnership with trusted AMSs to help recognise the important role family, community and culture play in health and wellbeing, encouraging Aboriginal people to check in on themselves so they can stay strong for the people who matter most."