Aboriginal communities improving Aboriginal health

This literature review collates and synthesises the published literature documenting the contributions Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) have made to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities. It is hoped that this information will be used by the Aboriginal community controlled health sector, funders, policy makers and others to inform policies and programs and ensure that efforts to improve the health of Aboriginal peoples are as effective as possible. This report was prepared by Dr Megan Campbell with support from Dr Jenny Hunt, in their roles as AH&MRC Public Health Medical Officers. What is the purpose of this report? The purpose of this literature review is to present the evidence supporting the contributions of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to improving the health of Aboriginal peoples, so that this information is available to all individuals and organisations working to improve Aboriginal health. Who is this report for? This 32 page report was developed for a broad range of individuals and organisations with an interest in improving Aboriginal health. For the Aboriginal community controlled health sector, this report provides information that may be used to inform funding submissions, advocacy efforts and the development of programs as well as highlight gaps in the evidence base about the contributions of ACCHSs. The information in this report will also be useful for funders, policy makers, researchers and others to inform the development of policies, projects and programs that impact on the health of Aboriginal peoples. How relevant is this document to the sector? This report focuses on the ways in which ACCHSs contribute to improving the health of Aboriginal peoples and the available evidence supporting the contribution of ACCHSs to improving Aboriginal health.