Rural Health Week Tasmania 2007

Aims & Rationale To raise the awareness of health issues in rural Tasmania, the work of rural health professionals and community volunteers Approaches A partnership initiative between the University Department of Rural Health and the Department of Health and Human Services attracted $64,000 sponsorship from government and private sector. It established 28 regional groups which organised local activities and awards for a community volunteeer and a health professional. Regional groups were surveyed about their planning process for rural health week, the activities held, their outcomes and future intentions. Principal Findings Regional groups were partnerships of local organisations. Activities had a preventative focus. They included cooking, bike rides, dances, manual handling, health checks, community art, suicide prevention. Events attracted up to 300 participants. There were 48 nominations for the 2 awards, which were perceived to have raised the profile of health professionals and volunteers. Activities that attracted most participation were fun runs and health expos. Most used their understanding of community needs when deciding on activities. Only a small number relied on formal health needs analyses. Groups varied in their assessment of how well the activities they organised actually met needs. Half the group members had not worked together previously. All but 3 intend to work with others in the future. Most group members learnt more about health programs and other professionals in their community. Benefits to the community Raised profile of health services and role of health professionals and volunteers in rural Tasmania. Increased range of ongoing health promoting activities. Better planned and coordinated activities.