MS TIERNEY— To ask the Minister for Health: In relation to the Minister’s response to an adjournment matter relating to diabetes funding in which he stated that the ‘Life! Program has established links with the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH)’, what are these established links.
ANSWER:
I am informed that:
The Life! program is a state-wide diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention program delivered by Diabetes Australia — Victoria.
The Life! program aims to support Victorians who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease to make lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of these diseases.
To identify and engage with people that are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, Diabetes Australia — Victoria establishes links with organisations to improve the reach of the program and support the identification and engagement of people associated with those organisations.
Diabetes Australia — Victoria has linked with the National Centre for Farmer Health to improve the reach of the program into Victorian farming communities. While this is not a formal partnership, the relationship brings staff from both organisations together to share expertise and work collaboratively to identify opportunities to provide type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention support to farmers.
These links have resulted in the promotion of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention to farmers at rural exhibitions and events, and the promotion of the Life! telephone health coaching service as an accessible support program for farmers at risk of developing these serious diseases.