The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed we live and work. At this time, the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH)’s focus on healthy, strong and vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities is critical.
In a rapidly changing environment we remain firmly focused on ensuring the best outcomes for our people.
IUIH and its member services have developed a 3 phase Pandemic Plan which informs the way we continue to provide the comprehensive range of services and programs that our community relies on for good health, wellbeing and connection in response to levels of community transmission of COVID-19 in community.
Please check with your local Community Controlled Health Service to find out what level of the Pandemic Plan they are operating under.
I Stepped Up
Respected members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community have come together for the ‘I Stepped Up’ campaign to highlight the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
‘I Stepped Up’ is run by The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) along with the four founding Community Controlled Health Services (CCHHSs) with an aim to empower our mob 12 and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself, your family and your community.
For more information visit www.isteppedup.com.au
Data modelling and COVID impact Indigenous populations across SEQ
The Community Controlled Health Services from across South East Queensland met at an urgent summit in Brisbane to discuss modelling which predicts the likely impact of COVID-19 within Indigenous populations should vaccination rates not drastically improve prior to the opening of Queensland’s border.
Click here to download the Data Modelling Snapshot
Clinical Services
Essential clinical services continue to be offered, increasingly via telehealth – but also through a triaging system that keeps our clinics safe for those who need to attend in-person appointments.
IUIH Member Network Clinic Locations
COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Clinics
We have established five (5) dedicated urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander vaccination and testing clinics to provide a culturally appropriate screening and vaccination services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families.
Vaccination and Testing Clinic Locations
Group Programs
Our group programs are understandably postponed currently. However, our Aged Care, Respite, Work it Out and DC Fit staff are providing program participants with the opportunity to engage in online sessions, further supported by individual telephone check-ins from our social health team to support connection.
Allied Health Services
Our allied health, dental and eye health staff are providing appointments to community via Telehealth (phone or video conference) if possible, as well as developing video resources such as ‘checking your foot health at home’ and ‘staying active at home’.
Community Messaging
Our Deadly Choices Ambassadors are spending plenty of time in front of the camera recording community messages to share on social media encouraging us to stay home, stay connected and protect our families and community.
Deadly Choices Health Promotion
And a huge amount of work is underway to move our Deadly Choices healthy lifestyle program, traditionally delivered via face to face school education sessions and community events, to a completely online platform.
We are all still here and we are all committed to seeing our communities through this pandemic with the very best outcomes possible.
