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Our Population Health Catchment Plan sets out priorities and proposed actions for population health promotion over the next six years from 2023-2028.
These health priorities are directly connected to preventing avoidable chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and dental caries. Our work will help keep people in our community well. As we further understand the determinants of health in our catchment, these health priorities may change over the life of the plan.
WPHU uses a collective impact model, bringing together local partners including local councils, health and community services, and communities to align resources, skills and knowledge for the achievement of catchment priorities.
The Western Public Health Unit, through consultation with local partners and community and a comprehensive analysis of available data, has assessed the opportunities to improve public health in the 8 local government areas that comprise our catchment, and identified agreed priorities to improve health and reduce inequalities.
The Western Public Health Unit Population and Preventive Health Network is our governance structure to deliver on the Catchment Plan in close partnership with our stakeholders.
The impact of climate change extends beyond environmental changes – it presents significant challenges to our health, wellbeing and safety. The Western Public Health Unit has identified climate change and its impact on health as one of three population health priorities for our catchment.
Poor nutrition affects 95% of people living in the Western Public Health Unit catchment. A strong and equitable food system is central for promoting health and is vital to support healthier everyday eating. The Western Public Health Unit has identified healthier eating and food systems as one of three population health priorities for our catchment.
Tobacco and vaping related harm is a re-emerging population health issue. While smoking rates have substantially reduced in recent decades, growth in e-cigarette use presents a significant challenge. The Western Public Health Unit has identified vaping and tobacco-related harm as one of three population health priorities for our catchment.
The Western Public Health Unit Community Engagement team proactively works with community leaders, networks and partners to understand emerging health issues and to work together to find appropriate ways to provide support.
The Western Public Health Unit works with key stakeholders in Melbourne’s central and western suburbs to deliver positive sexual health change to our communities and to strengthen health systems within our catchment.
