Population Health team partners with the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation to help men in need.

Sydney Local Health District’s HIV and Related Programs (HARP) Unit in Population Health partnered with the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation to deliver services to men in need for Men’s Health Week (15-21 June).  

Eli Ryan, Health Promotion Officer, says it is an important collaboration.

“This is our flagship activity for the week, focusing on supporting men to access male-focused health supports,” he said.  

“Men’s health is a priority because too many men are still dying from preventable conditions and we often see men presenting later, when their health has already declined.”

Based in Ashfield, the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation provides assistance to people experiencing homelessness, poverty and unemployment. The frontline charity aims to make an immediate and tangible difference to the lives of those who are in need, through the provision of free meals, social welfare support, and healthcare.  

“Our work focuses on preventive health, improving health literacy, strengthening referral pathways, and increasing access to services for male priority populations,” said Eli.  

“This includes but is not limited to men experiencing homelessness, men post-incarceration, young men, and men who have sex with men.”

The District’s HARP Unit works with organisations across Sydney such as the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation to increase awareness of and reduce the burden of HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other sexually transmissible infections (STI’s) in the Community.

“Working with other organisations is key to reaching people in need in our community. Our partners include clinical services, non-government and peer organisations, and it is inspiring to see positive outcomes for people who access our services,” said Renee Moreton, District Population Health General Manager.

The District team, Rev. Bill Crews staff and Hearing Australia were able to provide Hepatitis C testing, vaccinations, point of care diabetes testing, heart health checks, hearing consultations and male-focused primary care nursing consults. The team saw 60 men participate in the event, with more than 150 individual occasions of service.