Murrumbidgee’s LHACs Finish Year On High Note

This is the first year following the COVID-19 pandemic that Local Health Advisory Committees (LHACs) in the Murrumbidgee region were able to operate free from the restrictions of the pandemic.

The LHAC’s primary role is to advocate for their community’s health needs.

They do this by understanding their needs, combined with a knowledge of what their community has access to and identifying gaps.

LHACs engage with their community in different ways.

Community Engagement Manager Setchen Brimson said some are involved in their local market stalls, while others seek feedback through surveys or social media.

“The level of engagement with communities and the projects undertaken this year have truly showcased that the LHACs are back in business,” Ms Brimson said.

“Interaction with community members is essential for advocacy and most LHAC members are connected socially or professional to many other groups in the community.

“These connections provide a rich source of information which, coupled with the local health needs data provides a fuller picture of what’s going on in the community and where the gaps are.”

All LHAC members share a combined interest in focussing on what matters most to their community.

They volunteer to be on the committee and engage closely with hospital staff from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) and also with the team at the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) to review local data and provide feedback and ideas about health services.

Griffith LHAC published monthly articles in the local newspaper, hosted a Dying to Know Day to inform community and promoted access to services.

The Narrandera LHAC advocated for an upgrade to hospital staff accommodation and worked with local groups on mental health initiatives.

Wagga LHAC developed welcome packs for children of new staff arriving from overseas, and issued further Head here for Help silicon wristbands promoting mental health service options for youth.

Check out the following facebook pages:

• Griffith LHAC - https://www.facebook.com/GriffithLHAC

Narrandera LHAC - [https://www.facebook.com/NarranderaLHAC]- (https://www.facebook.com/NarranderaLHAC)

• Topics:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Community Groups