THE Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) has created a Specialty Practice stream dedicated to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
The new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health stream, announced last week to coincide with Reconciliation Week, joins 24 other streams in SHPA's Specialty Practice program, which connects leading networks, advocacy and education across pharmacy disciplines.
Chief Executive Kristin Michaels says the formation and rapid uptake of the SHPA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health stream reflects the priority placed in this important area by the organisation and its members.
"While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people comprise 3.3% of the Australian population, the group constitutes 5% of people in hospitals.
"A key focus of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health stream will be to progress Close the Gap goals and help reduce this over-representation, improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
Michaels said members of this stream will work closely with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and community organisations and will benefit from the integrated advocacy, education and networking framework of SHPA's Specialty Practice program.
"This week marks Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements."
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