Family Planning NSW Joins Awabakal Clinics
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Hunter region will have greater access to reproductive and sexual health services thanks to a new partnership between Family Planning NSW and Awabakal Health Ltd.
Family Planning NSW is the state's leading provider of reproductive and sexual health services and has operated a clinic in Newcastle since 1954.
Awabakal, established in 1977, is the community-led health care, aged care and family services provider for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in the broader Newcastle region.
This partnership will allow nurses and medical officers from the Family Planning NSW Hunter clinic to provide their expert reproductive and sexual health services to Awabakal clinic locations in Maitland and Raymond Terrace.
Family Planning NSW Director of Integrated Health Services, Jodie Duggan, said the partnership between the two providers will provide a clear benefit to Awabakal clients.
"Family Planning NSW recognises that to this day, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience inequities in reproductive and sexual health services and outcomes," said Ms. Duggan.
"We're committed to reducing these health inequities and furthering reconciliation by providing safe, respectful and culturally aware health services to our clients who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander."
Family Planning NSW clinicians will provide Awabakal clients with a range of reproductive and sexual health services including contraceptive implants, IUDs, pregnancy options counselling, STI screening and cervical screening tests.
Awabakal spokesperson Simone Jordan said this partnership is an exciting way for Awabakal to expand its services.
"By working with Family Planning NSW, Awabakal can assist in supporting the delivery of culturally appropriate, inclusive sexual health services that are safe and accessible for our community," said Ms. Jordan.
The first outreach clinics will commence at Awabakal's Maitland and Raymond Terrace clinics on February 4 and February 12, respectively, and continue on a fortnightly basis.
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