How a regular health check is keeping the students of Djarragun College on the path of good health.
715, For most of us, it's a number that holds little value or signifcance. But for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clients of Ngak Min Health it can be the key to a healthier longer life.
Located on the campus grounds of Djarrgun College in Gordonvale, Ngak Min Health provides comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary healthcare to the students of Djarragun College, Cape York Girl Academy and their families.
The Team at Ngak Min are out to fix these alarming statistics by championing the 715 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Check.
The number - 715 - refers to the Medicare Benefits Schedule number associated with the assessment. During the health check itself, a healthcare worker gathers information through full assessment of the client's health, document their family medical history and identify whether the student stay in good health. After the 715 the students can be referred to follow up services if needed, including with a counsellor or specialist at the clinic.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages are entitled to a free 715 health check every 12 months, which Registered Nurse, Jayrahni Nicholls, believes is a good thing.
"It's much easier to prevent these illnesses or chronic conditions before they arise, than to treat them", she said. "So, catching them early can make a big difference".
The 715-health check is the cornerstone of Ngak Min Health's primary preventive work. It focuses on the client's holistic health, covering physical health, mental health, sexual health, general development and social and emotional wellbeing. The clini's location on the campus grounds eliminates the barrier to access and helps develop, positive health - seeking behaviour attitudes in the students.
In 2023, more than 149 Djarragun College students completed their 715 health check at Ngak Min Health. One of the students was Year 11, Sione Sailor, who has now recieved three 715 health checks at the clinic.
"The clinic is so convenient", Sione says. "I appreciate every visit to Ngak Min, from tracking my height and weight to the incredible support I receive from the staff".
Nathaniel Bosen, another Year 11 student recently received his first 715 health check, something he says would have been unlikely without the campus presence of Ngak Min and the encouragement of his peers.
"Normally, I wouldn't be here", Nathaniel admits. "But I took the initiative to embrace this health check as I am taking a proactive step towards a long healthy life."
Jayrahni explains that 715 health check, can be different depending on the clinic a patient goes to, their age and background.
"When it comes to a 715-health check, every health service tailors its delivery", she says. "The questions we ask and the tests we do are based on our student clients and their background".
Ngak Min General Practioner, Bahrant Gadhavi - or Doctor Bazz to his clients - firmly embraces the 715 Health Check and stresses its value to the students and others.
"It is important to get your 715 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health check to prevent you from getting any chronic health issues", he says. "The earlier we detect any issues the better, so that we can intervene and act and arrange treatment before it becomes worse".
As a positive flow on for the 715, Ngak Min are discovering that the regular health check is also improving health seeking behaviour with students making appointments with Ngak Min for other concerns they have during the year.
The proactive health choices of Sione and Nathaniel show that by investing in their health today, the students are shaping a stronger and healthier tomorrow for themselves. Because to Ngak Min Health, these students will always be more than a number.