20-Year Preventative Health Strategy

Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of hearing from thousands of Tasmanians, from every corner of the state and all walks of life. What we’ve heard is clear: Tasmanians don’t want to end up in the hospital if it’s avoidable. To achieve this goal Tasmanians want the tools, information, and services needed to stay healthy, and they want to see real investment to make this happen. 

We’ve heard not just about the kinds of services needed, but also about how important it is to acknowledge the systems that can create poor health outcomes and also for communities to drive the solutions that will lead to better health for all. Tasmanians have repeatedly told us that a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work. Consumers and communities are different, and they need tailored initiatives that meet their unique needs. The people who are most affected by decisions should be the ones leading the way in making change happen. A “bottom-up” approach is essential. Tasmanians know their experiences and their communities best and are the most powerful voices in shaping their healthcare needs.

Recently, the Tasmanian Government launched a discussion paper about a 20-Year Preventative Health Strategy. There’s a lot of excitement about the potential for this strategy, but we know that for it to truly succeed, it needs to be backed by action, resources, and most importantly, to be driven by community / consumers.

Health Communities Tasmania will be working with local communities and consumers to share what we’ve learned from conversations over the years about preventative health and make sure we have it right. We’ll also explore with them how to make this long-term strategy sustainable and impactful.

We encourage everyone to read the Discussion Paper (link below) and share their thoughts.

Or if you’d like to join us in this important conversation, please get in touch.