Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)

• Reach:

  VIC

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Category:

  Non-government

Description

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) was established in 1972 to address the specific medical needs of Victorian Indigenous communities. VAHS aims to:

• provide excellent primary health care to the community
• promote, improve and support the quality of life of community
• provide a holistic approach to the physical wellbeing of the person, the family and the community in a culturally appropriate way
• provide holistic health care services to the Aboriginal community through:
  • assessment, intervention and care planning
  • advocating on behalf of the patients and the community
  • providing outreach services and support
  • providing health promotion and education to individuals and groups.

VAHS provides a comprehensive range of services, including:

• health clinics
• dental health services
• women and children's services (audiology checks, immunisation program, liaising services, in-home support for Indigenous parents with children aged 0 to 3 years)
• community programs (including physical activity programs, and programs for older people)
• family counselling.

As well as providing a variety of medical services, VAHS is committed to supporting the well-being of the community through contributions to community events and activities. VAHS is also committed to assisting research into the ongoing needs of the community.

Abstract adapted from the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service

Contacts

Victorian Aboriginal Health Services
186 Nicholson Street
Fitzroy Vic 3065
Ph: (03) 9419 3000
Email: info@vahs.org.au

Victorian Aboriginal Health Services Oral Health and & Dental Unit
186 Nicholson Street
Fitzroy Vic 3065
Ph: (03) 9419 3680

Victorian Aboriginal Health Services Family Counselling Services
279 High St
Northcote Vic 3070
Ph: (03) 9403 3300
Fax: 03 9403 3333

Related publications

Hemingway M (2012)

Community control: Aboriginal self-determination and Australian settler democracy: a history of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service.

Doctor of Philosophy thesis, The University of Melbourne: Melbourne

• Links
• View abstract: Community control: Aboriginal self-determination and Australian settler democracy: a history of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service

Links

• View website: Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)