An initiative which is encouraging local residents to ‘take your health into your own hands’ has claimed a top health award.
The 12-month Lifting Health Outcomes banner initiative, run by Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee, claimed the Promoting Healthy Living award at Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s 2024 Primary Healthcare Awards last Friday.
The same initiative was highly commended for the Murrumbidgee Community Grant of the Year award - the same category LHAC was highly commended in last year for hosting the Legless and Blind inspirational tour.
The goal of the Lifting Health Outcomes initiative is to encourage community members to stay active, learn about health, and share their knowledge.
From the results of a local survey, 12 common health conditions were identified to explore during the education campaign - bowel cancer, kidney health, stroke, quitting smoking, disability support, mental health, skin cancer, lung health, dementia, heart health, diabetes and kids’ health.
A large pop-up banner on each topic has been produced, and rotated throughout visible areas of the community. On each is a QR code which will take people to where they can find “actionable ideas people can do that could contribute to better health outcomes”.
Complementing the banner campaign is a series of monthly forums, with each month involving specialist speakers on the selected topic.
In the award citation, it was noted the initiative was designed to “align with MPHN and Murrumbidgee Local Health District priorities and address health needs in the Edward River local government area”.
“Over 12 months, the project focused on repeated messaging about how lifestyle changes can prevent or reduce chronic disease risks,” the citation read.
“Community talks were held on nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation.
“Anecdotal feedback suggests that participants are positively engaging with the initiative and believe that committing to lifestyle changes can improve their health outcomes.”
On accepting the award, Deniliquin LHAC chair Lynda Barclay expressed hope that in 10 years' time, the combined efforts would bring rural health outcomes closer to those of their city counterparts.
“I’d also like to thank MPHN for providing the grants,” Mrs Barclay said.
“We know our community, we know what they need, but without funds, it’s pretty tricky to do much about it. So, thank you very much.”