DATA from the pandemic has revealed less people have been visiting their doctor or health professionals this year.
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This has been the case for people of all backgrounds and nationalities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Last week the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service, through its Passport to Better Health initiative, was in Leeton to help close this gap between health services and community members.
Representatives from the service were on hand at No. 1 Oval to provide a series of free, basic health checks for residents of all ages and was inclusive for all to access.
Passport to Better Health has been modelled from NSW Health's One Deadly Step program.
It aims to provide Aboriginal community members better access to local health services in their communities by engaging local service providers to participate with us on the day.
As well as this, the program also aims to educate Aboriginal communities on the health effects of chronic disease by performing 10 step mini health assessments.
These checks in Leeton included blood pressure, height and weight, mental health, discussions on smoking blood sugar, nutrition, drug or alcohol use and much more.
Stephen Johnson from the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service said the day was also about awareness and education.
"We've spaced everything out for COVID to be safe that way and everyone is wearing masks," he said.
"At the end of the day they have their passport filled out and we can refer them on to medical professionals for further checks as well.
"We do these days all over the region."
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Held at locations not specifically related to medicine does help make participants feel more comfortable.
"We try to have them in a relaxed setting because often we find people can feel daunted going to the doctors," Mr Johnson said.
"We've got people at the days from the local community that are familiar faces.
"Going to the doctors can be overwhelming.
"Having these tests here can be a referral pathway, which is really good."
The Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service provides a range of programs throughout the year.
These include Smoke Free 4 Life, Beat the Boondah, We're Tobacco Free for New Life and more.
"Days like Passport to Better Health allow us to connect with the community and check in on them," Mr Johnson said.
"We all need to be on top of our health.
"Even just coming and having a yarn to the people here, especially the emotional and mental health stands, it all helps.
"It's been a very different year for everyone."
Passport to Better Health is set to return to Leeton again in 2021.
If you would like to find out more, visit https://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/.
