November 15, 2023
A program at Cherbourg this year which targeted the link between skin conditions and heart disease has won a national health award.
“Healthy Skin, Healthy Heart” was a partnership between various stakeholders, including Darling Downs Health (DDH) and Cherbourg Council.
“During the program, we conducted 1255 skin checks, 300 echo screenings and 111 environmental health assessments,” DDH Acting Director of Public Health Amanda Tucker said.
The program took out the award for Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healthcare at the inaugural National Rural and Remote Health Awards held at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday.
“We partnered with local community stakeholders … to ensure Healthy Skin, Healthy Heart met the specific needs of the community,” Ms Tucker said,
“This project demonstrates that partnerships are essential in a public health response and that grass roots programs do make a difference.”
DDH Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Rica Lacey said that without the leadership of Cherbourg Council and Cherbourg Health Council, the success of the program would not have been possible.
DDH Chief Executive Annette Scott PSM said winning a category at the inaugural awards was an impressive accomplishment.
“The win recognises the great work of Darling Downs Health Public Health Unit and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service, and our organisations commitment to work with communities to achieve health equity,” Ms Scott said.
