Community
18 April, 2024
New Indigenous family program targets 1000 days
FIRST Nations families in Yarrabah and the Tablelands region are receiving more timely access to care thanks to a new program providing targeted support for women and children in their first 1000 days.
The First 1000 Days Social and Emotional Wellbeing program is funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and aligns with the Better Health North Queensland (NQ) Alliance First 1000 Days Framework.
The program focuses on maternal and child health, and the social and emotional wellbeing of mothers, fathers, carers, and children to help reduce health inequities and ensure all children in the region have a healthy start to life.
The first 1000 days is a critical time in a child’s life, with early experiences being a predictor of health, development, education, and social outcomes, both in childhood and later in life.
The first 1000 days is defined as the period from conception through to a child’s second birthday.
During this period, parents and children may receive access to a range of care and supports, including pregnancy care, birthing, post-birth care, and child development.
The program aims to improve health outcomes for First Nations families and communities by providing care coordination and improving access to primary health care, including culturally appropriate mainstream services, while keeping them connected to their community.
NQPHN worked with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), Hospital and Health Services (HHSs), the Department of Education and Early Childhood, Tropical Public Health, the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC), and digital health organisations from across Northern Queensland to collaboratively co-design and develop the new models of care so they were relevant to each community.
Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation is delivering the program in Yarrabah and Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Services, in Mareeba, is servicing the Tablelands region.
NQPHN is committed to working with First Nations organisations to develop models of care that best supported the needs of their communities.
The First 1000 Days program aligns with the NQ First 1000 Days Framework and the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017–2023.
Sean Rooney is the chief executive officer of NQPHN
