Models of Community Health in Action
Community health services play an essential role in addressing health inequities through the provision of place-based, affordable and accessible care. Case studies demonstrate the successful application of common community health approaches, including multi-disciplinary care, peer-led models, setting-based approaches, early intervention and capacity building. Enhanced investment in community health and preventative care is vital to alleviate the pressure on acute healthcare settings, and improving long-term health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals and communities.
This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.
Australian primary healthcare is at a crossroads due to ageing populations and increasing chronic disease. To address the needs ofr marginalised groups, Gough Whitlam introduced the Community Health Program in 1973. Today, care for vulnerable populations occurs in private general practice.Victoria isthe only state with generalist, non-government community health centres. This paper examines innovations in a private clinic that has replicated elements from Community Health. These innovations are of importance for governments re-thinking policy for primary care today.
This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.
The Aboriginal community controlled health organisation sector in Australia emerged from social movements for Aboriginal self-determination before the Declaration of the Alma Ata, developing a model of community health that was community led, provided holistic care and took action on social determinants of health. Our findings from interviews with community health actors since the 1970s documented these strengths, and how they influenced generalist community health. The sector remains a strong example of community health relevant to all Australians.
This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.
Health promotion as an upstream approach can relieve pressure on the healthcare system, reduce disease prevalence and health inequities all while being cost-effective. Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Ontario, Canada have been delivering health promotion programming as part of their model of comprehensive primary health care to communities for decades. However, greater investments in health promotion are needed if we want to support and sustain our healthcare systems.
This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.
A community health program was introduced in Australia 50 years ago, but Victoria is the only state that still maintains such a program. Through interviews with people involved in the sector over this time, the review of key documents and personal experience, we consider how the aspirations and commitment of the early pioneers have survived (and struggled to survive) political and social pressures over time. Additionally, we discuss ways to ensure a robust community health sector going forward.
This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.
We evaluated the pivotal role of Cultural Health Stations in advancing social development and health care within Indigenous communities. Data analysis clearly shows that the stations employ a diverse range of cultural care models tailored to the specific needs of local elders across various rural tribal and urban contexts. The culturally safe practices from the services demonstrated by the cultural health stations preserve cultural heritage, bridge the gap between tribal and urban life, and restore pride and continuity of cultural traditions.
This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.
