Page 2311 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 1 November 1989
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The fourth level is program communication. This involves a media strategy, particularly in relation to the intervention projects. The fifth is program evaluation. This will be most important to demonstrate outcomes at the end of the four-year period. The final level concerns program coordination, which will be essential for a coordinated, coherent program that works at both the local and national level.
What does this mean for the ACT? Planning is still in hand for the years 1990-92. However, in line with the national strategic plan, future directions for the ACT will involve clusters of intervention programs - in the community, the workplace and the school.
Information has been collected from each of the service areas in my department on the kinds of programs currently being run and how these mesh with the national better health priorities; what information or data is used to decide priorities at present; and what needs are seen for the future.
Carriage of the national better health program rests with health advancement services. There is an advisory committee, made up of various organisational and community representatives, to advise on the implementation of the program. It works in conjunction with the healthy cities council of reference, a community based intersectoral committee, with representatives from both government and non-government sectors.
Already funds of $70,000 for 1988-89 have been allocated to three projects. The first is "neighbours". This project provides assistance for a community self-help group, by focusing on improved nutrition through the development of social health goals. The group has established a drop-in centre with a small library, kitchen and safe play area for children.
The second project is the health of older ACT residents and their carers. This project examines the health needs of older residents of the ACT, with major emphasis on the needs of carers, especially older carers, mental health problems of the elderly, needs of the isolated elderly, and injury surveillance. The project officer is collecting what data is available and will undertake a series of consultations with elderly people and their carers.
The third project is the male factor in human papilloma virus infection and cervical malignancy. The cancer prevention project is a workplace health promotion project aimed at increasing men's knowledge of the male role in the spread of an infection which is associated with cervical cancer, as well as raising awareness of the risks involved in unprotected sexual activity. This is being undertaken by the Family Planning Association.
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