News

Health day for Koori youth

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:29:00

About 40 of Mildura’s secondary school students were given health checks during a comprehensive health information day today (Friday June 14).

The Koori students from Chaffey Secondary College are being offered the health checks as part of a full-day program at the Mallee District Aboriginal Services.
The aim of the day is to raise awareness among young people about the importance of undergoing regular health checks, and to educate them about safe sex behaviour.
The Mildura event is being run by MDAS in partnership with Chaffey Secondary College.  It is part of the Sexual Health and Diversity Enterprise (SHADE), a program delivered by Family Planning Victoria (FPV) in partnership with Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across Victoria.
It’s motivated by concerns young people might not be accessing the health services they need, and aims to encourage informed choice, personal responsibility, and responsible decision making.
Teenage pregnancy rates in Mildura are more than double the State’s average, with rates higher among Aboriginal young women.  In addition, rates of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Mildura’s adolescents are also above the State average.
The Mallee District Aboriginal Service’s Samantha Brennan said data shows that rural youth are much less likely to undergo regular health-checks than in metropolitan regions.
“That’s probably because in some areas access to health and community support services is difficult, and because rural young people often have concerns about confidentiality,” she said.
“We know that indigenous communities are at an even greater risk.
“So we’re hoping the sessions today will improve awareness among Koori young people that there are support services available for them, and that they can be sure that they’re confidential.”