> Resources and Publications > PHC RIS infonet > April 2006 > Primary health in the local community

Primary health in the local community

When considering the practicalities of promoting primary health care it is mostly 'the worried well' or the health professionals running the agenda. With our project in the Wheatbelt we made a fundamental decision that has influenced the way that this project has progressed.

Our decision was that primary health care is not the responsibility of the health system, and that if we are to improve the health of our communities, in particular the men, it would be important to shift responsibility for primary health care to the public supported by health professionals.

With this in mind we have focussed on taking programs to places where people, and in particular men, meet and present the information in a way that is understandable and with realistic goals.

For example, we have formed partnerships with organisations like the WA Department of Agriculture and have secured time slots in their programs to present short 15 minute presentations on various aspects of health in a venue where men have come to find out about their farming. It is surprising how receptive men can be to health messages when presented in this type of environment.

One of our most successful tools has been fridge magnets which simply say "before it all gets too much . TALK TO A MATE!!!" Very often people do not need professional help with a lot of their issues, but do need an empathetic ear and permission to seek additional help if required.

This informal connection to the health system has meant that a significant number of males are now taking a more positive attitude to both their physical and mental health. Not only are they taking an interest in their own health but they are starting to develop an attitude of helping each other through talking over some of the issues that affects them.

In addition to the talks for the Agricultural Department we produce monthly articles for the local community newspapers. We also have a regular fortnightly five minute radio segment on ABC Rural Report. These simple strategies are meeting people on their turf and in their language, and they are beginning to access services at all levels in positive ways.

Given our experience and success with this program we believe it is important to put the responsibility for primary health back where it belongs, in the local community.

For further information contact:
Julian Krieg
Mobile: 0428 211 537
E: snaughton@agric.wa.gov.au
Postal: PO Box 768 Northam WA 6401