Closing the Gap will allow the Indigenous community the same access to health services, the same ability to be healthy, and the same opportunities for education and employment. In a few short weeks, thousands of Australians will take action to improve Indigenous health.
So far, more than 190,000 Australians have signed the Close the Gap pledge and thousands of Australians have written to the Federal Government demanding action. But the most outstanding and consistent support from the public has been through the tens of thousands of Australians who have held National Close the Gap Day events around the country.
Are we closing the gap?
Seven years ago, National Close the Gap Day launched. The campaign exists to achieve Indigenous health equality within a generation, and to date, these past seven years have resulted with an enormous step forward:
- The life expectancy gap is beginning to narrow
- Tobacco smoking is declining in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- There are notable improvements in maternal and child health
- Local Indigenous communities are managing health care services and empowering Indigenous people.
Thanks to public support, we’re seeing real signs of improvement for health equality. But there is still a long way to go.
How to get involved in National Close the Gap Day
Hosting an event is easy and fun. We’ll provide you with all the resources that you need. It can be anything from a small gathering of friends, family or colleagues, to a large workplace or community event. By holding an event on Thursday 20 March, you, and thousands of other Australians will address the issues at hand.
Support Indigenous health equality. Register today.
Register your National Close the Gap Day event for 20 March 2014.