PSA supports Uluru Statement from the Heart

January 10, 2019

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has endorsed the historic Uluru Statement from the Heart, which calls for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution and for a Makarrata Commission as a process for agreement making and truth telling.

 

PSA National President Dr Chris Freeman said PSA was proud to add its voice to the call for recognition of the First Peoples of Australia in the Constitution.

 

“PSA is committed to ongoing work to support the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart’s call for constitutional reforms to empower people to have their views heard in relation to making laws and policies that affect their lives.

 

“We are proud to add our voice to this movement for a better future.”

 

Generational disadvantage continues to have a detrimental impact on the physical and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

“As the peak national body for pharmacists, PSA has long advocated for closing the gap by supporting pharmacists to play an active role in improving medication management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Dr Freeman said.

 

“Pharmacists must work collaboratively with Aboriginal Health Organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

 

PSA is collaborating with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) on the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to Improve Chronic Disease Management (IPAC) trial.

 

This pioneering project aims to improve chronic disease management by embedding pharmacists within Aboriginal Health Services.

 

PSA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services Pharmacist Career Pathway provides training and support to help pharmacists working in these services to optimise health for their patients.

 

PSA will be developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2019. The RAP will underpin the work PSA does with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and support members and staff to provide culturally safe workplaces and services.

 

Media contact:  
Jarryd Luke
Senior Communications Officer
0487 922 176