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Merri Health launch Impact Report in Parliament

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Published October 16 2024

This week, Merri Health teams joined the 2-day Community Health First Showcase in Victorian Parliament to seek support for the important work Community Health organisations do across Victoria and to launch the inaugural Community Health Impact Report.

The event included:

 

Community Health First Services Showcase

Seven themed ‘service booths’ staffed by team members from Community Health organisations to have informal conversations with MPs about key services.

 

Inaugural Community Health Impact Report launch

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas MP joined CEOS/representatives from all 24 Community Health First organisations to launch the inaugural Community Health Impact Report. The report included a Merri Health case study and key data from our sector, including:

  • Demand for community health services has continued to skyrocket over the last year, with our client numbers growing by more than 20% over the last 2 years, with community health now reaching over 608,000 Victorians.
  • Community health is pivotal in maintaining health and wellbeing in our communities across Victoria, with over 91.2% of clients reporting that their local community health service helps to keep them healthy and well and 84.9% agreeing that community health makes it easier for them to access the supports they need.
  • Clients want to see more investment in affordable healthcare close to home with 94% of clients agreeing this should be a focus of government investment.
  • The future of community health is on the minds of voters, with 80% of clients saying it would impact their vote at the next state election.
  • Community health is reducing pressure on our hospitals, with over 58% of clients reporting that the help they receive has reduced their frequency of hospital visits.
  • But lack of investment is driving long waiting lists for services and Victorians may soon struggle to get the support they need in a timely manner. Funding from the State Government for the Community Health Program has not increased for over a decade, despite record population growth and escalating health. Further investment is urgently needed to ensure that the burden on our hospitals doesn’t increase further.

 

It was great to see all community health organisations in Victoria come together as one to showcase and drive awareness on the breadth of our local services.

Read the full Impact Report or visit Community Health First for more information.