The Albanese Government is expanding the highly successful "Deadly Choices" preventative health program to improve the health outcomes of First Nations Australians.
Deadly Choices empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to access their local Community Controlled Health Service (CCHS) to complete an annual Health Check.
The expansion will include major sporting events, like the Australian Open. Basketball and netball will also join rugby league and the AFL in promoting First Nations health.
The expanded Deadly Choices program will feature high profile First Nations sportspeople and celebrities, such as Patty Mills, endorsing health checks in social media and marketing campaigns.
Deadly Choices is delivered by the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) in Queensland.
The Albanese Government has committed $3.5 million to expanding Deadly Choices nationally. The rollout commences today with the addition of nine Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health Services in New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria and Tasmania.
Deadly Choices will result in more First Nations people undertaking a comprehensive health assessment at least once a year.
The Medicare Benefits Schedule item 715 health check was specifically designed to allow early detection, diagnosis and intervention for common and treatable conditions that are major contributors to First Nations illness and early deaths.
After the health check, patients are eligible for up to 10 follow-up services from practice nurses or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners, fully funded by Medicare. The number of follow-up services was raised from five to 10 on 1 March 2024.
The proportion of First Nations people undertaking a 715 health check peaked at 28.8 per cent in 2018-19 before dropping for three years. While recent trends have been positive, the overall number of First Nations people receiving a health check remains low.
The 2023-24 Budget also included $8 million for improved administration and coordination of 715 health assessments and links to allied health services.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"Expanding the successful and high-profile Deadly Choices program to more sports and more states and territories is a potential game changer for First Nations health.
"It spreads preventive health messages in language and contexts that First Nations people feel comfortable with, using role models they identify with.
"By encouraging First Nations people to get their health checked and adopt healthier lifestyles, it could be a big step towards closing the gap on health and mortality.
"I want to thank all the sporting groups, sports stars and health organisations that have agreed to be part of this very important program."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Kearney:
"As a nurse I know how important preventative healthcare is for the health and wellbeing of First Nations Australians. Investing in prevention just makes sense.
"Expanding Deadly Choices, with the help of our sporting clubs and superstars like Paddy Mills, will mean more life changing health checks and better health outcomes."
