APC welcomes new perspectives and improvements for Indigenous Health Strategy

The Australian Pharmacy Council is advancing their improving Indigenous health strategy, with a focus on new perspectives, governance and adapting curriculum frameworks.

The Improving Indigenous Health Strategy Expert Advisory Group (the Advisory Group) has welcomed their newest member, Mrs Chastina Heck, to broaden the group's knowledge base.

Chastina is a Nywaigi, Mamu, Bidjara woman. She is currently working as a clinical pharmacist at the Logan Hospital in Brisbane and is a Conjoint Associate Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Queensland.Chastina Heck

Chastina remains connected to communities in both rural and urban settings and has said she is 'passionate about sharing her stories of knowing, being and doing pharmacy and healthcare business especially in regard to the health and wellbeing of Australia's First Peoples'.

The Advisory Group has celebrated their first anniversary and, with that, the opportunity to review their Terms of Reference to ensure an appropriate governance structure is in place into the future.

The group's advice has also been a vital component of our ongoing project to adapt the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum framework for pharmacy.

'The group's voice on this matter is absolutely necessary to ensure the best outcomes for future pharmacists and their role in improving health for First Australians. It's our job to listen,' says Ms Clark, APC CEO.

At their meeting on 16 October 2020, the Advisory Group heard from the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group Chair on the continuing development of the Reflect RAP. This includes its broad sphere of communications and engagement with a local contemporary artist.

The Advisory Group was established last year to advise and provide direction to APC on our Improving Indigenous Health strategy.