<p><strong><strong>In early March the PHN team were lucky enough to receive a visit from the 'Better Together' van, driven by Metro North Hospital and Health Service Senior Project Officer, William Bern.</strong></strong><br /></p>
<p>As part of the <a href="https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/close-gap-plan.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Metro North Hospital and Health Service Better Together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2019-2022</a>, the mobile Better Together Health Van provides screening measures and important health promotion messages to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within the Metro North catchment.</p>
<p>The Metro North Better Together Heath Van is a free community services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people living within the Metro North catchment of Brisbane.</p>
<p>The van acts as an extension of Metro North Hospital and Health Service (MNHHS) to create engagement activities and develop partnerships and relationships with patients, families and community organisations. It provides outreach options that are culturally responsive, safe and connected, and access to opportunistic screening and health promotion.<br /></p>
<p>In the previous 12 months, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers have been driving the van to events and opportunities right across the region; gathering crucial community feedback on how the van can support the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers.</p>
<p>The brightly-coloured artwork featured on the van is by esteemed Aboriginal artist Elaine Chambers-Hegarty, and the undercover awning allows community members to stop by for a yarn with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health staff.<br /></p>
<p>For more information or to request the van to visit your community or event, please contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team on 07 3139 3235 or email <a href="mailto:Bettertogetherhealthvan@health.qld.gov.au">bettertogetherhealthvan@health.qld.gov.au</a>.</p>
<p><em>Pictured above: MNHHS Senior Project Officer, William Bern with the PHN team at the North Lakes office. </em><br /></p>