National Reconciliation Week – a time to reflect

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this nation, acknowledging Elders past, present and emerging.

 

PSA takes pride in, and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s history and cultures and recognises the importance of National Reconciliation Week.

 

From Wednesday 27 May to Thursday 3 June, PSA encourages all members and the wider public to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements through active engagement with Nation Reconciliation Week initiatives.

 

Less than 1 percent of Australian pharmacists identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, a statistic that is of great concern to the PSA. In Australia, there are existing programs that support the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme (ATSIPSS). Under the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA), this scheme encourages students to undertake undergraduate or graduate entry studies in pharmacy at an Australian university.

 

PSA demonstrates our commitment to achieving reconciliation through internal initiatives such as the Culturally Safe Health Care Webinar held on 26 May and through the custodianship of the Practice Guidelines for providing pharmacy services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These initiatives are designed to help pharmacists create an environment that is culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

Next week, PSA will be launching the first stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Reflect. By reflecting on our practice, PSA wants to support and enhance the understanding of our people to build relationships and engage with communities to support culturally safe care.

 

PSA supports further measures to enhance the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the profession.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463