Health groups combine to combat Aboriginal smoking

29/6/00
Health Minister John Day is to launch Say No to Smokes, a three-year, State-wide anti-smoking project to combat the high rates of smoking in Aboriginal communities.
The project targets Aboriginal health workers and community leaders to raise awareness of the health effects of active and passive smoking, and support the introduction of community programs to reduce the prevalence of smoking among Aboriginal people.
This joint initiative between the Australian Council on Smoking and Health, Derbarl Yerrigan Aboriginal Medical Service and the Health Department of Western Australia, has been funded by a $400,000 Healthway grant, the largest for a project of its kind.
Mr Day said the project had developed out of growing concern over the impact of smoking on the health and well-being of Aboriginal people.
"Smoking is more common among Aboriginal people, with more than 54 per cent of aged 14 years and over smoking regularly, compared to 29 per cent in the general population," he said.
"This is a major health problem, yet many Aboriginal people are generally unaware of the health risks of smoking.
'However, the reality is that smoking causes heart and lung disease, stroke and cancer, and Aboriginal people are at greater risk than other Australians of hospitalisation and/or death because of their significantly higher rates of smoking.
"Statistics show that in Western Australia, the rates of hospitalisation and death from tobacco-related conditions are up to five times higher for Aboriginal people than for non-Aboriginal people.
"Significant improvements are required in all aspects of Aboriginal health - however, reducing the prevalence of smoking can provide significant health gains in terms of reduced morbidity and mortality, and increased life expectancy."
The project will employ a comprehensive range of strategies that include:

• research and evaluation;
• quit smoking support for Aboriginal health workers;
• the development, implementation and evaluation of training materials on tobacco issues;
• education and training support for Aboriginal health workers; and -
• public relations activities that aim to raise awareness of Aboriginal smoking and health issues.

Mr Day said Aboriginal people would pilot the resources and strategies developed for the project prior to implementation, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health agencies would help develop the project.
"The partnerships forged between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health and community agencies are important to the success of this project," he said.
"With the support of Aboriginal community leaders and health workers, it is hoped that this project will result in greater recognition of the harm caused by smoking among Aboriginal people and in longer term, improvements in their health and well-being."
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9213 6600