Closing the Health Gap with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
We are committed to closing the health gap through culturally safe services and initiatives that promote respect , equity and recognition .
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strong and resilient . Community Elders and leaders have worked tirelessly over generations to address the extreme but preventable inequalities their communities face .
However , many communities continue to experience poorer health outcomes than non-Indigenous populations .
MOVING FROM SAFE TO BRAVE – RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
This year we proudly launched our second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-23 ( RAP ) developed in partnership with Reconciliation Australia , Merri Health ’ s RAP Committee and staff .
This was a key priority after pausing due to COVID .
The RAP details 72 Merri Health commitments across four focus areas : Relationships , Respect , Opportunities , Governance . It builds on our reconciliation achievements so far and recognises the work we still need to do to close the health gap and see meaningful change .
Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Di Kerr , Victorian MP Sheena Watt and RAP artist Simone Thomson joined CEO Tassia Michaleas , local Aboriginal community members and businesses , Merri Health staff and stakeholders at the launch .
We actively partnered with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations , businesses , locals and the wider community to improve health and wellbeing outcomes .
Our commitments and performance targets are formalised through our Reconciliation Action Plan .
“ There is still a significant gap in health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community . To change this , recognition , respect and equality are vital .
As a health provider with services and partnerships across Victoria , we have an important role to play in leading change across our community .”
– CEO , Tassia Michaleas
ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT FOR AT-RISK COMMUNITIES
Merri Health ’ s Tassia Michaleas and Maryannne Tadic , Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Di Kerr , Sheena Watt MP , artist Simone Thomson launched Merri ’ s new RAP
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