Project summary: Healthy Blood, Healthy Body is a strengths-focused participatory research project drawing on Aboriginal knowledge and spirit to increase access to needle and syringe programs in Perth, Western Australia. 

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The project aims to:

1. Assess harm reduction knowledge/attitudes of staff in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in WA

2. Increase knowledge and awareness of Aboriginal consumers and community members in the Perth metropolitan region about harm reduction and the role of NSPs in reducing harms from illicit drugs

3. Increase knowledge and awareness of Aboriginal consumers and community members in the Perth metropolitan region of the location and availability of harm reduction services and supports

4. Increase cultural knowledge and awareness amongst NSP staff, volunteers and other organisations providing services to Aboriginal people who inject drugs about the drivers and experience of illicit drug use amongst Aboriginal peoples

5. Increase engagement of Aboriginal consumers with NSP services including testing and treatment for blood-borne virus services, health promotion and education

6. Increase referrals between NSP services and other organisations providing services to Aboriginal people who inject drugs.

 

Health Blood, Healthy Body is trialing five Aboriginal-led and co-designed consumer strategies. The project uses contemporary health promotion approaches, employing a comprehensive strategy mix incorporating educational, environmental, behavioural, and policy strategies. 

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Project funding: Healthway Health Promotion Intervention Research

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Who is involved? Dr Roanna Lobo, Adrian Simpson, Dr Belinda D'Costa, Roisin Glasgow-Collins, Dr Linda Portsmouth, Dr Gemma Crawford, Dr Jacqui Hendriks

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Project website: www.hb2project.org

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