Ana Kadjaniny Indigenous Health Program
ANA KADJININY - Confirming, Acknowledging, Understanding
Ongoing alcohol and other drug related
problems within the Noongar community of the South West prompted a
group of Noongars to join the team at the St John of God Health
Care South West Community Drug Service Team in 2000. The program
was called Ana Kadjaniny.
This program is funded by St John of God Hospital Bunbury's Social
Advocacy and Outreach Program that works collaboratively with
services and organisations, indigenous and non- indigenous to
address health issues including alcohol and other drugs within the
South West Community. A team of dedicated Noongar Health Officers
operate from the SW Community Drug Service Team offices and are
available to provide cultural training and education, support for
individuals and family members and provide liaison within the St
John of God Hospital system if required.
The Ana Kadjaniny Health Officers work with St
John of God Hospital Bunbury to build bridges so that indigenous
people will feel comfortable in accessing:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Renal Unit
Their presence and input will also increase
cultural awareness in the hospital setting.
Ana Kadjaniny undertakes to highlight areas of
need within the indigenous community and to fill those gaps with
appropriate programs and activities. Some of these programs and
activities include:
- Deadly Yorgas Good Noongar Woman (Women’s
Program) involves drug education, development of
lifeskills and yarning.
- Moorditj Marmun Good Noongar Man (Men’s
Program) focuses on health awareness and building life
skills.
- Peer Education Enough is Enough (Youth
Program) increases awareness, knowledge and skills and
develops peer support and strengthens motivation for a healthy
alternative lifestyle.
- Peer Education (Elders Program) provides
meetings to discuss community concerns.