The Lebanese Muslim Association will deliver an enhanced suite of community preventative health and wellbeing initiatives, thanks to a $150,000 grant from the NSW Government.
The initiatives include information campaigns, workshops, forums, referral pathways and health screening opportunities, across a range of areas including cardiovascular and other chronic diseases, cancer screening and early intervention, and obesity and healthy weight programs with a focus on children, young people and diabetes.
The funding will also help the Lebanese Muslim Association tackle vaping and shisha use in the community, enhance aged care and dementia programs, treat chronic mental health conditions, and create early childhood school readiness programs.
The Lebanese Muslim Association was founded in 1962 and has more than 1000 members. The Association funds more than 400 initiatives including the Australian Multicultural Aged Nursing Program and a free culturally and religiously sensitive community-based psychology service.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The Lebanese Muslim Association has long been a pillar of the NSW community and provides invaluable health support to its many members. I'm glad this funding will help continue that service into the future.
"Sydney in particular has a large Muslim population, and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring this community stays healthy."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper:
"NSW is proud to be one of the world's most successful multicultural states. The Lebanese Muslim Association plays a vital role in our community, and this program is designed to promote well-being and raise health awareness in-language, ensuring our community stays informed and healthy."
Quotes attributable to Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis:
"This is an important partnership which will enhance access to the latest health information that will help our diverse community members better understand the benefits of preventative health measures."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib:
"The Lebanese Muslim Association has a longstanding record of supporting the community, and this funding will further enable that work by ensuring people have access to services that will benefit them.
"The Lebanese Muslim Association will work with the community to provide invaluable assistance to help access health support and care in their native language."
Quotes attributable to Lebanese Muslim Association President Hafez Alameddine:
"With this funding support over the next 12 months, the Lebanese Muslim Association will implement preventative health and wellbeing measures to address chronic diseases such as diabetes within our community.
"These initiatives will provide essential resources and education to empower individuals to take control of their health, fostering a healthier and more resilient community."
